John E. Thurow

John Edward Thurow, 75, of Watertown passed away peacefully at home with his loving family by his side on Wednesday, October 08, 2025. He has now received his crown of glory in his heavenly home.
John was born on April 16, 1950 in Ludington, Michigan to Edward and Jeanne (nee Sommerfeldt) Thurow. He was baptized and confirmed in Christ at Our Redeemer Ev. Lutheran Church in Scottville, MI. John began his studies for the public ministry at Milwaukee Lutheran Teachers College/WLC where he met his future wife Bonnie (nee Duddeck). He graduated in 1972 from Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN where he earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education. John and Bonnie were joined in holy matrimony on July 01, 1972. They were blessed with seven children and together they built a family rooted in Christian faith and love based on their wedding passage from Joshua 24:15, "Then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord".
John faithfully served in the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod as an elementary school teacher, coach, athletic director, and principal for 37 years. He began his ministry at Frieden's Ev. Lutheran School in Kenosha, WI and later served at St. John's Ev. Lutheran School in Watertown, WI. John had a generous heart, always giving his time and talents to the Lord, his family, friends, and students. He enjoyed being outdoors; hunting, fishing, playing his guitar and singing around the campfire and cooking on his grill. He treasured his time at the family's "Up North" property and found great joy in teaching his children and grandchildren how to hunt, fish, and carry on the camping traditions. John cherished all of the time he spent with his family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Jeanne Thurow, and his father and mother-in-law, Oscar and Orvilla Duddeck. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of 53 years; his children Danielle (Gordy) Schmidt, Monica (Rev. Michael) Schroeder, John (Katie) Thurow, Ryan (Jennifer) Thurow, Nadine (Jason) Preinfalk, Michael (fiance Andrea Hoppe) Thurow, and Matthew Thurow. He was blessed with 16 grandchildren Christian (Lillian) Schmidt, Jameson (Carly) Schmidt, Jonathan Schmidt, Mathias Schmidt, Quinton Schmidt; Kiera Schroeder, Elias Schroeder, Alethia Schroeder; Aaron Thurow, Ayla Thurow; Anthony (Chante) Bruhn, Aedan Bruhn, Arabella Thurow, Annaliese Thurow; Helena Preinfalk, Everett Preinfalk, and one great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by other family and friends.
A Christian funeral service will be held at St. Mark's Ev. Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Karl Walther presiding. Family and friends may gather at the church from noon until the time of the service. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mark's Ev. Lutheran School, Lakeside Lutheran High School, Living Hope Ev. Lutheran Church in Wildomar, CA, or a memorial of your choice. Hafemeister Funeral Home and Cremation Service is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.hafemeisterfh.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at CommonHeart Home Health and Rainbow Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion while John was at home. The family would also like to thank the Pastors at St. Mark's for their visits and devotions of comfort. Thank you to all of the family, friends, and former students who came to visit our dad.
Dad - you are deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Thank you for a lifetime of wonderful memories. You will be in our hearts forever and we await our heavenly reunion.