John A. Thurow

John Adolph Thurow, 79, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Friday, November 28, 2025 at the Azria Woodhaven Nursing Home in Great Bend, Kansas.2

John was born on November 6, 1946, in St. Luke’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He was the son of Arnold William, Sr., and Marion Maxine (Held) Thurow. He grew up on several ranches in Colorado. The first was the Flying A Angus Ranch in Hayden, Colorado. Also, the Seven J Ranch at Steamboat Springs and the Lakeview Angus Farm in Broomfield. He attended grade school in Broomfield and Hayden. His family moved to Denver in May, 1961. While he was in Junior and Senior High, he was a member of the wrestling and football teams. He graduated from Denver East High School in 1964. After high school, John attended several Junior colleges. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

John’s first teaching position was at Saguache High School where he taught physical education and coached wrestling and football. He then moved back to Denver and taught at Bishop Machebeuf Parochial High School. He taught physical education, coached wresting, girls’ volleyball, girl’s track and was an assistant football coach. John moved to Great Bend, Kansas, in 1987. He was hired to be the Head Wrestling Coach and teach physical education at Harrison Junior High in Great Bend, then moved to the Middle School and finally to Great Bend High School. He was the Wrestling Coach from 1987 to 2002. During his wrestling career with Great Bend, his wrestlers were WAC Champions in 1991, Regional Champs in 1988, 1991 and 1999. His teams placed 5th at the State Tournament in 1988 and 2nd in 1999. He also had four State Champions in 1989. 1993, 1999 and 2001. Wrestling was his true passion. He was very proud to know some of his former wrestlers are now coaches and referee matches.

On December 31, 1991, John married Janet (Brown) Milke. He gained step children who he regarded as his own; twins, Anliet and Jarred Milke. They made their home in the country near Ellinwood, Kansas.

The family enjoyed sharing John’s beloved Colorado by taking trips to a variety of places in Colorado; also, in Utah, Wyoming and South Dakota. His favorite place to share as the family one-room log cabin near Steamboat Springs. The cabin was built in 1966, by John, his father and brother, with help of a couple of friends. Many adventures were shared at the cabin with beautiful views of the mountains and Marren Creek. John retired from USD 428 in 2008. During his retirement he enjoyed farming his family land near Ellinwood. John, Janet & Jarred moved to Russell in December of 2013.

John’s surviving family include his wife of 33 years, Janet of the home; his children, Anliet Milke of Wichita, Kansas and Jarred Milke of Russell, Kansas; his sister, Pam Thurow of Greeley, Colorado; sister-in-law, Zanna Thurow of Evans, Colorado; nieces, Tammy Schneider (Bill) and Wendy Thurow; great nieces and great nephews; cousins; close friend, Lonnie Carter and his fellow coaches and colleagues. Thank you to the people at Sonic, USA Express, McDonald’s and Prost for the kindness you showed John.

John was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill Thurow, Jr.

The family is planning a scattering of Ashes in the Summer of 2026 at the family cabin in Colorado. A memorial has been established with the Great Bend Wrestling Team. Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.