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Fredrick Thurston Obituary
Fredrick "Fuzzy' Charles Thurston, 80, passed away on December 14, 2014, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's and cancer. He was born December 29, 1933 in Altoona, WI, the youngest of 8 children of Charles and Marie Thurston. He married Susan (Eggleston) on June 23, 1957 and they were married 55 years before the time of her death on October 23, 2012.
He graduated from Altoona High School and attended Valparaiso, IN on a basketball scholarship changing to football in his junior year which led to the Indiana Conference Title twice and was named Top Lineman of 1955. After being drafted into the army for 21 months, where he played on the army team, he continued in the pro-football league. He played for the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, the Winnipeg Blue Boomers and the NFL Champion Baltimore Colts team. He was traded to Green Bay in 1959 to play under Vince Lombardi. He won 5 National Championships with the Packers including the first two Super Bowls. He was named All-Pro twice and is one of only three players to play on 6 World Championship Teams. (One with the Colts and five with the Packers), He was inducted into the Packer Hall of Fame, the Indiana Football and Valparaiso Athletic halls and the Wisconsin Athletic and Wisconsin Football Coaches halls of fame. In addition the high school football field in Altoona, WI, is named after him.
He was an investor in the Left Guard restaurants, Fuzzy's Shenanigans and Fuzzy's Bar & Grill until 2010, along with Fuzzy's Tickets and Tours for the Packer games. He also appeared at many team and charity events.
Survivors include sons, Mark (Carol) Thurston of Green Bay; Griff (Robin) Thurston of Fort Meyers, FL; and daughter, Tori (Jerry) Burton of De Pere; along with grandchildren, Olivia and Freddy Thurston and Joey Kluck. He is also survived by sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jerry and Karen Luedtke, Fond du Lac, along with their children, Todd (Jackie) Luedtke and Lauri Beck of Fond du Lac; and Traci (Eric) Haren of Batavia, IL; and other family and friends.
He was preceded by his parents, his wife, siblings, and his in-laws, Gordy and Lila Eggleston.
A celebration of life with be held at the Lambeau Field Atrium in the Legends Club Room, 1265 Lambeau Ave, Green Bay on Friday, December 19, 2014 from 11 a.m. to the time of the service at 3 p.m. Packer attire is welcomed and in lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.
Newcomer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and condolences can be sent to the family at www.newcomergreenbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Fredrick Thurston
Leslie Thurston
March 3, 2023
I am so sorry about uncle Fuzzy, I did not no, My Heart Goes out to all of my family for there loss. I only seen Uncle Fuzzy a few times. He was my Grandpa's brother ( James R. Thurston ). Leslie K. Thurston
Susan Aurinko (Jenewein then)
August 14, 2020
My father was a friend and business associate of Fuzzy's and when I was 12 /13, I babysat for Griff and Mark when they lived in the house in Greentree Estates. I loved Sue and Fuzzy and spending time with them - Fuzzy would say to the boys "What do you want to be when you grow up?" He had trained them to shout out in unison "Chicago Bears!" It was so cute and he'd just laugh that huge laugh of his. What a guy - he'll be sorely missed by so many with wonderful memories of him and Sue.
Jerome Bokina
December 20, 2015
I WILL REMEMBER
JERRY BOKINA
Gene Barbin
August 29, 2015
Fuzzy was a member. Of the Brooke army medical center football team in 1958 he was a strong. Fast guard and led interference. For me and others During. Our football season. I. Lost trac of fuzzy and iam so sorry to hear of his passing. A great guy
KM
January 6, 2015
I am sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. At 1 Pet. 5:7, He invites you to "throw all your anxiety upon Him." Continue to rely on Him for strength during this difficult time.
Donna Dietsche
January 3, 2015
Thanks for all the laughs and warm smiles and hugs. I met first met Fuzzy at Shennanigan's and he was a charmer. I cherish the pic I have of my sister and I with Fuzzy's arms around us smiling and Flashing his rings! He was always warm, welcoming and so generous with his time for any Packer Fan.
My Deepest Sympathys to all members of his Family- The Packer nation was Blessed to have known him.
Fuzzy and Big cheese
Tom Fabitz
December 27, 2014
Fuzzy and I watching a Packer game at a friends house in Kewaskum area. What a great guy. RIP Fuzzy
December 26, 2014
So sorry to hear about your loss. I hope your faily finds comfort in God's promise.
December 22, 2014
My mother used to work for Sue and Fuzzy at their home when the children were very small, and Tori wasn't even born yet! She stayed with the children when Sue and Fuzzy would take long trips, and all of us kids would say out to Thurstons. Later I would babysit for Tori, as a baby, Mark and Griff as toddlers, and preschoolers.
I have many fond memories of going on vacations with theThurstons, going to the Left Guard for dinner, helping Sue at cocktail parties, meeting various Packer players at their home, as well as going with them to visit other players families in Green Bay. Going to Sues parents home home in Green Lake and sledding down the street at the top of the hill with the kids, then walking downtown with Mark and Griff for hot chocolate. Going to the Ice Bowl game with Coach Eggleston using #5's girlfriends ticket.I will never forget the many good expierences and times I had with the Thurstons. Losing Fuzzy and Sue are like loosing a brother and sister. Please accept my heart felt condolences at the loss of your parents,as I keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Diane Kloss Eggers
john ulferts
December 21, 2014
Thank you to the Fuzzy Thurston family. So sorry for your loss. Thurston befriended my dad and was the reason why we got season tickets and have enjoyed the Packers for the past 50 years.
Ms. Burks
December 21, 2014
With deep sympathy I am sorry for your lost. My heart goes out to the family and friends. May God give you the comfort and strength you need at this time of sorrow.
Andrew Hickethier
December 21, 2014
My condolences. He will be remembered fondly by the Green Bay Packer Nation and many others forever.
December 21, 2014
I met Fuzzy on a couple of occasions when in town for a Packers game. It was at his Shenannigans establishement. He could not have been nicer to my wife and I and the couple with us. Absolute first class gentleman. It was a true pleasure to spend some time with him. Very sorry to hear of his passing and wanted to pass on our sincere condolences to the family. Truly a life well lived. Rest in peace Fuzzy. Steve & Patty O'Brian Columbia Mo
Peter Trinidad
December 20, 2014
The Greenbay Packers were the best. I remember the ice bowl when I was just 10 years old. Because of Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr, Fred Thurston along with other great players, the Greenbay Packers were an icon. Rest in peace Fuzzy.
December 20, 2014
I remember him a a boy with the Packers when I grew up in Milwaukee. Loved Fuzzy.
Great contributor to the team . Sorry ofryour loss.
Charlie Singer Aptos, CA
December 20, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy. God promises to give us thoughts of peace and to listen to our prayers. May the words of Jeremiah 29:11,12 bring you comfort during this difficult time.
December 20, 2014
I had the honor of meeting Fuzzy while in Green Bay one weekend a couple years ago (went to game that Sunday)!! He was a great guy and will be missed!! ~ Jill Lunzer (and Family)
Jim Rondeau
December 19, 2014
I owe all my success in football to one man. He went to Heaven the other day to be with Coach Lombardi and all the other All-Pros. Rest in Peace no. 63, I will cherish our relationship until I join You on the practice squad
Dick Wisnoskey
December 19, 2014
Condolences to the family of Fred Thurston, from the Cleveland Crew, who played football with Fuzzy (80) at Valpo. To us, he will always be remembered as a great football player, Fraternity Brother and Friend. It was great to visit with him at Valpo's Brown Field Dedication in 2008.
Dick Linn, Tom Rusnov and Dick Wisnoskey
Joe Amico
December 19, 2014
Fuzzy,a great friend, we will never forget#63-thanks--
Kathleen Kinyon
December 19, 2014
Fuzzy And Sue were like uncle and Aunt to us kids! We will always miss them. Mark, Griff, and Tori we send our very sincere condolences. love to all, Jerry Greeley, Kathleen Greeley-Kinyon, Mary Greeley-Hansen, Susan & Brad Yocum, and Jay Greeley.
Bratt
December 19, 2014
Great job, No. 63! There is no doubt that you certainly made your unique mark blocking for the Green Bay Packers, but you will always be treasured and remembered for just being you. Hope the loved ones, friends, and fans of Fuzzy Thurston allow God to be your refuge and your strength as you find comfort in the many guaranteed promises found in His word. I join others in expressing my heartfelt sympathy to Fuzzy's entire family for your loss!
December 19, 2014
Fuzzy will be missed by all who knew him, especially by all of his teammates. We pray our Lord will grant his family comfort and peace. Ken and Rosann Bowman
December 18, 2014
Both of your parents will be dearly missed. They were so gracious to all. They are truly together in a much better place.
May He guide you during this very challenging time.
Love to all, Patricia
December 18, 2014
Your father and mother are together in a much better place; however, both are missed.
May He be with the family during this challenging time.
Dick/Mary Ely
December 18, 2014
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, Griff. We know he was very special & you were so proud of all that he accomplished in life.
Bernie Kopera
December 18, 2014
Fuzzy Thurston was a GREATER human being than football player. And he was a GREAT football player.
JIM HAWKE
December 18, 2014
FUZZY'S DAD AND MY GRANDDADDY RAILROADED TOGETHER BACK IN THE DAY, THUS FUZZY AND MY GRANDFATHER BECAME CLOSE FRIENDS. I HAVE AN AUTOGRAPHED PICTURE OF FUZZY AND MY GRANDFATHER BILL HAWKE IN A FRAME ON MY OFFICE WALL, WHICH WILL ALWAYS REMAIN THERE! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER #63, NO MATTER WHO WEARS IT! HE IS THE EPITOME OF AN OFFENSIVE GUARD. IT IS A REAL SHAME THAT FUZZY IS NOT IN THE NFL HOF. HE SHOULD HAVE GONE IN LONG AGO!!
RIP FUZZY/I LOVE YOU.
JIM HAWKE
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Josh McCutcheon
December 18, 2014
Fuzzy was more than just a Packer Legend, he was a husband, father, grandfather, and a great man. He always had a smile on his face and brought a warmth to any room he entered. His memory will live on for generations to come. R.I.P. Fuzzy!
Bob Totten
December 18, 2014
Mark, Griff,and Tori, I was saddened to read about your Dads passing. I can still remember meeting him for the first time at Father-Son banquet in my home town of Richland Center back in the early !960's. Little did I know then I would teach his children at Neenah High, and coach his boys. He was always a man with a "BIG and Loving" heart. My wife,Sandy and I send you our condolences. God Bless and comfort you, Bob Totten
Joanne Peterson
December 18, 2014
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father.. He was such a nice person. My husband and I had a lot of fun times with him. One time we were with him and I mentioned that it was my father's birthday. Fuzzy got his phone and even though it was long distance, asked me to call my father, he wanted to wish my dad a 'happy birthday'.. That phone call certainly made my dad's birthday very happy. May the fond memories you have of your father, ease the pain you now have in your heart.
Don Myers
December 18, 2014
Such a great guy Packer Ambassador and super player... God Bless you Fuzz you were unanimously just voted and inducted into the ultimate "Hall of Fame!"
Ed Goral
December 18, 2014
Met Fuzzy years ago at the Crows Nest at Stan's in Goodland Fla he was just as great of a man as a Packer football great,Rest in Peace.
debora
December 17, 2014
Sorry for your loss he played good in the green Bay backers rest in peace my friend
WALLY MILLER
December 17, 2014
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS: I ENJOYED WATCHING THE TEAM IN THE SIXTYS. MEET FUZZY IN DALLAS WHAT A WONDERFULL MAN.
December 17, 2014
Tori and Jerry,
Very sorry for the loss of your father.
Joe and Tammy's mom and dad Kenn and Lora Krouse on Newton Lake.
JACK BAUERLE
December 17, 2014
Great memories of Fuzzy and Max at North Hills CC and at the Left Guard on Bluemound, Appleton and Green Bay. Fine gentleman!! Privalged to have known you.
December 17, 2014
My condolences to the Thurston family. I followed Fuzzy's career for many years--as a Football fan.Thank you FUZZY. Dan Thurston
Cindy Thompson
December 17, 2014
What a wonderful tribute to such a remarkable man. Your parents were both such warm people. We would see them at Kings table and they were always so gracious. His smile truly did light up any room! God bless you all.
tom hable
December 17, 2014
God bless and keep you and all your family...
Sandi Doemel
December 17, 2014
RIP Fuzzy. You played Football the way you lived life, to the fullest. Your family can be very proud of you for all you've done in your life.
December 17, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
~RW
December 17, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Tori Lehman
December 17, 2014
I only met Fuzzy once in Darboy where he was with his family, when his son-in-law sang at St. James Lounge. I went up to shake his hand and he grabbed me and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek....then shook my hand. It was an honor to meet him, not as a former Packer, but as a human being. He was the life of the party with that smile and infectious personality.
Kathy Kramer
December 17, 2014
Rest in peace, Fuzzy. I remember going to watch TC in the late 80s/early 90s and seeing that big billboard for your bar nearby. I was not born yet when you played, but I always thought that it was so cool and classy of you and others from the Lombardi Era embraced this team and showed such pride, regardless of their record, especially when so many (then) current players didn't want to come to Green Bay in the first place. You showed us what Packer Pride really was.
Bruce Fassbender
December 17, 2014
Fuzzy, it was a joy to have met you and especially watching you play for our Packers. Your smile was most notable during your life in and around Green Bay. Now you will be joined by other teammates and the person that drove you to your success as a person and a football player. We will miss you Fuzzy.
Bob M
December 17, 2014
Rest well my Dear Friend
Bob M
December 17, 2014
Rest well my Dear Friend ,
Taken on our wedding day. I met Fuzzy on our first date and we went to his place before our reception. He graciously posed with us for this picture.
Kevin Brown
December 17, 2014
Kerryann Gill
December 16, 2014
To the family of Fuzzy, I had the privilege of meeting him at hibiscus golf club, where I bartended and Dijulios restaurant across the street. He gave me one of his football cards, which I still have today. He was a pleasant and kind man. Sincerely Kerry Gill, Naples Fl
Chad Ovitt
December 16, 2014
Chad Ovitt
December 16, 2014
I will miss you #63! It's been an awesome 13yrs working with you! RIP my friend!! Love ya Fuzz
Julie Smith
December 16, 2014
Sweet Fuzzy, my Mom, Karen Van Handel has lived in the room next to you for the last 9 months. She loved being your friend. She doesn't remember much, but she does remember hanging out with you and your/her friends at the Kings X on Broadway back in the Glory Days. You always had a smile and a hug for us. I loved watching you two rub noses together in the activity room. We are heartbroken for your family. We pray your family finds comfort and strength in the Lord during this time. You led a wonderful life! Julie and Marvin Smith
Packer Fan Fest in 2007
Jill Bielinski
December 16, 2014
Don fike
December 16, 2014
Rest In peace Fuzzy will be missed by all in the packer family
John Luce
December 16, 2014
Rest in peace Fuzzy. We will miss you, you were a great person and a true Packer!
December 16, 2014
I think the coach is putting the team together again....
dylan drummond
December 16, 2014
God speed Fuzzy
Paula Kutz
December 16, 2014
Have loved and respected Fuzzy for years. Have fun playing ball in Heaven.
Paula Kutz
December 16, 2014
My daughter, Danielle, loved Fuzzy Thurston. We live in TEXAS and try to get to Green Bay at least once a year. We have been to Fuzzy's bar many times but never met the Legend. This past August, Danielle got to meet and hug Fuzzy at the pregame activities for the Raiders matchup. He was wonderfully approachable and endearing. We were in awe of this great man. We were blessed! Mark, Paula, and Danielle Kutz - Corsicana, Texas. Packers fans forever
CJ Krueger
December 16, 2014
Fuzzy always greeted everyone he met with a sincere smile. Thank you for sharing yourself with us, Fuzzy. You will be missed but fondly remembered.
AJ Shareholder
December 16, 2014
Love you Fuzz.....
You always made me smile. Say hi to Coach and the rest of the guys.
Love ya man.
December 16, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Jim thought the world of Fuzzy the fun we had on the 4th at Lowe's Creek Susan Radtke
cheryl cox
December 16, 2014
great guy took the time to autograph a shirt for my dad and send it to him meant the world to us to sit and look at all the memorabila on the walls in his restaurant highlight of our greenbay trip in 2010
Tracy Schuyler Brachmann
December 16, 2014
I will always remember going to Shenanigans and he was always there with a smile on his face! When I left for college I could always count on him to get me tickets for the games played in Milwaukee. After I gave birth to my second son, he sent me an autographed picture that still hangs in my home today. He will be missed.
Don Vogel
December 16, 2014
Met Fuzzy years ago at the left guard in Menasha
when hosted the 1000 yard club and later the 1000 yard parade what a gentlemen When he owned Fuzzy's on mason street you could always count on him being there and Willing to stand for a photo AT NO CHARGE Classic example of his coach and his teachings
Forrest Gregg
December 16, 2014
Forrest and Barbara gregg love fuzzy and sue very much . We are sorry for your loss .
Mel
December 16, 2014
Fuzzy was my hero. I played division 1A college ball graduating in 1968. I would study every move that Fuzzy made. He was the best. My heart goes out to his family. I wish I could thank him.
Fuzzy and Karen sharing a peck on April 4, 2014
Julie Smith
December 16, 2014
Fuzzy and Karen at the Western Party
Julie Smith
December 16, 2014
Fuzzy and Karen on April 4, 2014
Julie Smith
December 16, 2014
Jim Rogeberg
December 16, 2014
Although I never got to meet Fuzzy, he and Jerry Kramer were my idols as I was always a lineman. My sincere condolences.
Darla Cassidy
December 16, 2014
My condolences to Mark and Carol and the rest of the family.
Todd Hindenburg
December 16, 2014
Fuzzy, great person and will be missed.
December 16, 2014
So many great memories. What a gentleman he was.
Doug Fravel
December 16, 2014
RIP in peace Fuzzy. #63
Doug Fravel
December 16, 2014
Met Fuzzy a few years ago at Fuzzy's place. Was a joy. He will be missed by all. He has many teammates and a great coach waiting on him. RIP #63.
Diane LaPoint
December 16, 2014
Prays and love sent to your family and friends. You were on of the greatest men I have had the honor to meet!
Steve Ehr
December 16, 2014
Blessings and memories. Blocking for the Lords sweep.
Rod Washington D.C.
December 16, 2014
My condolences to the Thurston Family. I hope the beautiful memories of Fuzzy provide strength for your family during this difficult time. May God who gives peace be with you. - Rom. 15:33
December 16, 2014
We will miss his loving and caring ways,and of course his silly grin that he shared with everyone!!! Kat and your many upnorth friends.....
DAVE SMITH
December 15, 2014
FUZZY WAS AN ICON AT LAMBEAU FIELD AND THE PACKERS. HIS ABILITY AND TALENT CAN NEVER BE DUPLICATED. WHAT A GREAT HUMAN BEING HE WAS LONG AFTER THE GLORY YEARS. THE MANY TIMES I TALKED TO HIM AT HIS BAR IN GREEN BAY OR WAUPACA OR THE LAST TIME THIS FALL AT LAMBEAU FIELD WILL ALWAYS BE CHERISHED MEMORIES. HE WAS A GREAT MAN AND ONE OF THE PACKERS FINEST PLAYERS OF ALL ETERNITY. REST IN PEACE SIR.
keith beyer
December 15, 2014
sorry,for your loss mark,griff ,tory. as an old friend of neighborhood and playing football in your front and back yard and hanging out,fuzzy was a great man .
December 15, 2014
A SAD DAY IN PACKERLAND TO LOSE ONE OF THE FINEST GUARDS OF ALL TIME WITHOUT HIS DEVASTATING BLOCKING THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO PWR SWEEP TO RELEASE THE GOLDEN BOY AND TUFF AS NAILS JIMMY TAYLOR ALL MEMBERS OF THE GREATEST AMERICAN TEAM OF ALL TIME LEAD BY FEARLESS COACH VINCE LOMBARDI .
REST IN PEACE FUZZY
WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU
JBH / NYC
December 15, 2014
So sorry for your loss happy memories knowing Fuzzy growing up as neighbors and friends.... Football buddies with Mark & Griff... He was a great man!
December 15, 2014
I Remember Him....May He Rest In Peace ! Great Player During The Lombardi Era.....Fabulous Pulling Guard For Horning & Taylor !
Christine
December 15, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
tom phillipich
December 15, 2014
In 1996, my son (15) and I were introduced to Fuzzy by a mutual friend. He gave us both big hugs and chatted. I have a picture of us both at a later "Lombardi Legends" get-together. I've been fan since 1959; he was the best. God please love Fuzzy Thurston.
Marlene Borowitz
December 15, 2014
Fuzzy was such a good person and put a smile on my face every time we talked while I was working the elevators at Lambeau Field. Miss him. My condolences to the family.
Edd, The Main Man, Bruce Barea - 2008
Edd Higbee
December 15, 2014
Had to leave the Guest Book to grab a good picture of Fuzzy and I (on the left) with pal and fellow Shareholder, Bruce Barea.
One Special Meeting with "Fuzzy" in 2008
Edd Higbee
December 15, 2014
"Fuzzy" was the first real Packer I ever met and I met him on every occasion--as he was always open to the fans. I was so saddened when I went to "Fuzzy 63" expecting to renew our acquaintance only to find the place had been sold and "Fuzzy" wasn't ding well. God has him now and what a catch for the "Good Guys". Bless you and your family; you meant so much to all of us.
The PackerFaithful in Battle Creek, MI.
Dave and Linda Everett
December 15, 2014
We are sorr sad to hear of the passing of Fuszzy. Our toughts and prayers to all the Thurston Family.
Mike Hanlon
December 15, 2014
Dear Thurston Family,
As a GBP fan since 1960, I wanted to offer my sincere condolences with the passing of Mr. Thurston. I remember call his pub on the day of the Super Bowl victory in 1997, to offer my best wishes to Mr. Thurston. Mr. Thurston was a great football player, and with his talent and determination, three of the Packers whom he protected and blocked for are in the Hall of Fame. God Bless Fuzzy and his family.
VH
December 15, 2014
To the family of Mr Thurston you have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dear love one. May the God of comfort comfort you at this time. 2 Cronthians 1:.3 and 4
Dee Champaigne
December 15, 2014
We will always remember his big smile. We also thank him for defending US! Fuzzy RIP and prayers to you who are left to wait. Blessed are the saints who go before us.
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