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BORN
1932
DIED
2023
FUNERAL HOME
John Thurk Obituary
John H. Thurk, 90, of La Crosse, passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. John was born in LeRoy, WI., on September 11, 1932 to Clarence and Rose (Oechsner) Thurk. He married Sylvia M. Schabel in LeRoy on November 9, 1957.
John had proudly served his country with the United States Army and was a member of the Coon Valley American Legion Post 116. He had served as the American Legion District Commander and State Vice Commander as well. As a dedicated member of St. Joseph Ridge Parish, John had served on the parish council.
His many interests included woodworking, involvement in the scouting program, making maple syrup, camping and volunteering as a snowmobile safety instructor.
He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed holiday gatherings, attending his grandchildren’s events and always displayed kindness, understanding and a caring love of people.
John was proud of his 32 year career at Mathy Construction where he worked until his retirement. Following retirement from Mathy, John started a new “Career” with Ace Hardware that lasted another 20 years.
In addition to his wife Sylvia, John is survived by his children, Gary (Kim) Thurk, Tom (Karla) Thurk, Sherry (Randy Peterson) Hougom, Todd (Lois) Baldwin, his sister Kate Quinn, grandchildren Ben, Jessica, Kayla, Emily, Kylie, Tim, Dylan, Kendon, Brooke, Brittany and one great grandson Ledger John. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Charlie, Mike and George, two sisters Rosemary and Clarice and his beloved granddaughter Sara.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Heart to Hearth, Village Caregiving, the Gundersen Hospice team, the Veterans Administration and Taylor. We would like to also thank all the people who have been part of dad's life throughout the years. You know who you are!
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Monday, April 3, 2023 at St. Joseph Ridge Catholic church. Monsignor Robert Hundt and Rev. Biju Kunjukutty will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 and the Department of the Army Funeral Honors Detail will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on the family Sunday evening at the church from 3 until 6pm and again at the church Monday morning from 10am until the time of mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sara Rose Hougom Foundation, American Legion Post 116 Coon Valley or St. Joseph Ridge Parish.
Memories and Condolences
for John Thurk
10 Entries
Mark and Marianne Lesko
May 11, 2023
So very sorry to learn that John passed away He was a wonderful and very caring man!
Shelley Puls
April 4, 2023
John ( and Sylvia) were patients at Dr. Strand’s dental office where I was blessed to get to know them. John was such a kind, genuine man. Loved our conversations-like talking to a dear friend! It was so evident of the love John and Sylvia had for each other—and their family. Deepest sympathy to all of you.
Shelley Puls
Loren Molling
April 1, 2023
I will always remember John! He was such a great person who took the time to listen and care about a others!
He will be missed.
Carol Selhorn and Art
April 1, 2023
John was a so loved and kind man. He would make a wonderful Mother's Day brunch for all of us at their home that I attended and we had so many great memories with the Grandchildren we shared. God Bless him and may he rest in peace and greet our dearest Sara Rose who are are new Angels. He will be missed.
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Jennifer Ewing
March 31, 2023
Great Uncle John was one of my very favorite Great uncles. He truly had a heart for me. I remember him so clearly taking time to talk with me and ask me about my life. He very much touched my heart and left a fingerprint on my soul. It was because of him that I only chewed juicy fruit gum. My love for him never weakened, only grew with time. I'm grateful for the many opportunities we had to see one another. So very much like grandma his heart was so warm and kind.
Jim & Pat Schermerhorn
March 31, 2023
Sorry for your loss
Beth Thurk
March 31, 2023
Will miss you John. You were a wonderful brother-in-law!
Janet Luebke
March 31, 2023
My uncle John was a great man. He always had a beautiful smile, gave great hugs and always was willing to share a stick of juicy fruit gum! He shared his military valued when he was part of the 21-gun salute at my dad's military funeral 12 years ago. He will be deeply missed!
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Memorial Events
for John Thurk
Apr
2
Calling hours
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church
WI
Apr
3
Calling hours
10:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church
WI
Apr
3
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
St. Joseph Ridge Catholic Church
WI
Funeral services provided by:
Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services - La Crosse200 West Avenue South, La Crosse, WI 54601