Welcome Thielke Family

What a joy it is to share Susan and Fred Thielke with our fellow parishioners! Susan was born and raised in Topeka, Kansas, though after living in Augusta for almost 40 years, strong southern influences now compliment her mid-western upbringing. Fred’s roots began in Beaufort, South Carolina. Growing up, he traveled with his family due to his father’s career military service, though he would return to SC as a teen after his father’s retirement. It was 1960, when Fred was eight years of age and Susan was four, that their mothers forged a lifelong friendship when Fred’s family relocated to Topeka for a four-year independent military duty assignment. Little did they know then, that the dearest of friendships would later lead

to the future joining of their two families through the marriage of Susan and Fred, who would reconnect later in life as young adults.

Their marriage of 42 years has been blessed with three daughters. Becca and her husband, John Manton, live in Augusta and attend COGS. Their children, Jack and Milly, attend EDS and are in first grade and kindergarten, respectively. Katie and her husband, John Groupe, live in northern Virginia with their children Jack, Ellie, and Freddie who are in third grade, kindergarten and K4, respectively. Abbie is married to Alex Sherard and live in Columbia, SC. They are members of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.

Fred graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point. After serving a five-year military commission, he attended the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Upon graduation, Fred and Susan decided to remain in Augusta. Fred opened his private practice of General Family Dentistry, later expanding his business by purchasing the practice of Dr. Charlie Norwood before his first run for the U.S. House of Representatives. Fred has been practicing dentistry for 33 years. In addition, Fred served in the Army Dental Corps Reserves, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He enjoys time with family, genealogy research, college football, golf and history. Both he and Susan enjoy spending time away at Edisto Island, their home away from home.

Susan studied Early Childhood Education though she will tell you without hesitation that family, church and community are her priorities. The greatest joy for Susan is being a mother and grandmother. She is grateful to have had the opportunity to be a full- time mom, learning early on as a young military wife that her spiritual gift of administration would serve her well in her marriage, family, church and community service. Susan is an avid reader, enjoys writing, gardening and is an active member of the Augusta Symphony Guild. In the first decade of 2000, Susan was the owner and corporate licensee of Via Mizner -A Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store in Surrey Center. This opportunity was encouraged by the involvement of her three daughters at her side, making the venture a family business.

In closing, Susan says her family was lead to the COGS through their grandchildren attending EDS and the influence of Good Shepherd friends who invited them to worship with them. The prayers, the presence of God, and the love within this parish are blessings the Thielkes gratefully receive and endeavor to share.