Robert Christian Thurau

Robert C. (Bob) Thurau, 85, of Mooresburg, TN, was welcomed home to the presence of His Savior, on March 28, 2025, following an 8-month illness.
The son of William S, and the former Irene C. Brown, Bob was raised in Davison, Michigan, the youngest of six children. Nicknamed Big Eagle, a graduate of the Davison High School class of 1958, he also attended GMI - Flint J.C., after which he entered a 4-year apprenticeship in Machine Repair. He then worked in Maintenance for General Motors for 30 years, retiring as a Maintenance Supervisor in 1990. On May 30, 1987, Bob married the former Kathleen M. Doyle. The two began their retirement in the Rogersville, TN area, where they became active members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Morristown. During his lifetime, Bob served as Trustee, Elder, and Chairman of the congregation. They enjoyed fixing up their properties and even built a house of their own design from the ground up in Persia.
Bob played football during High School, and semi-professional football as a member of the Flint Blue Devils, Wildcats, and Sabers, part of the Midwest Football League. Toots' #70 was a well-loved number in the hearts of many. Bob also enjoyed Golf, Bowling, playing Poker, and Fishing, and general kibitzing with anyone who would listen. He never knew a stranger. He especially enjoyed the many friendships he and Kathy made at their place on Cherokee.
Bob and Kathy were a team - always found together. To speak of one, meant the other wasn't too far behind. Their love was legendary, even with their "Stanley and Irene" moments. They always spoke of their love for the other, especially before going to bed. They entered their marriage with three adult children each. Christina Owens, Dawn Fifield (Todd), John Locke, Michael (Rachel) Thurau, Lori (Tim) Smith, and Tami (Wendy) Thurau. They've been blessed with 17 grandchildren, and 19 greats, who knew him as Big Bob, Papaw, and Papa. With each of them, Bob and Kathy shared their wisdom, their love, and their faith. We can't imagine the joy Bob now enjoys, gathered with many family members and friends in the presence of Jesus; especially his two daughters, Christina and Lori, who have been shaking up heaven for a few years now.
"His Master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'....Enter into the joy of your Master.'" (Matthew 25:21)
The family will receive friends from 2:00-5:00 pm Sunday, March 30, 2025 at Christian-Sells Funeral Home. Memorial service will follow at 5:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.