Thurner, Harold

Other Events:

• Military Service: Bef 1946; WWII US Air force
• Obituary: 21 Aug 2013; Appleton Post Crescent

Notes:

Obituary:
Harold Thurner, 92, of Neenah, flew home on the wings of angels, Monday, August 19th, 2013. Forever in our hearts, he left behind a legacy of love and integrity that has been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to his family for many generations to come. A man of abiding faith, he believed in hard work, a job well done, standing fast for one's rights, helping others, humility, honesty, and above all love and loyalty to family and friends. He will be remembered for his warm and hearty handshake, the twinkle in his eye, and the smile that always lit up his face when he saw you. His sense of humor, enjoyed by all, could lighten even the most difficult moments. A strong man, who did hard physical work all of his life, he was easily moved to tears by deeply felt emotions. He was proud of his heritage and passed that on to his children and grandchildren so that all who bear his name and blood, bear it proudly.
Harold was an award winning marksman and served his country in WWII as a tail gunner on a B-17 Bomber with the 8th Air Force, 490th Bomb Group, in England. As a young man Harold trained in welding and blueprinting and became known for his excellent work and willingness to take on even the most challenging jobs. He worked as lead man at Hewitt Machine Co. in Neenah for 28 years before retiring in 1984.
Harold was born June 22, 1921, at home on the family farm near Tigerton, WI. He was the son of Johann and Marie (Drexler) Thurner who immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1907 via Ellis Island. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as siblings and their spouses: Jack (Ethel) Thurner, Mary (Ignatious) Eichinger, Bill (Margaret) Thurner, Caroline (Fred) Nichols, Frank (Blanche) Thurner, Max (Lila) Thurner, Joe (Genevieve) Thurner, Nick (Gladys/Harriet) Thurner, Theresa (Clayton) Sherman, Anna (Bud) Prickette, Barbara (Norval) Swinford, George (survived by wife Gloria) Thurner, and Adeline (Don) Bayer. We are quite sure there is a rousing Thurner Family reunion going on in heaven, as Harold joins these and other family members and friends who were so very dear to him!
He leaves behind a beloved sister, Ruth (LaVerne) Halverson, and many nieces and nephews, who he just thought the world of.
Harold was devoted to, and is further survived by his wife Gloria (Wege); his daughters: Nancy (Duncan) Wall, Susan (Randy) Stadtmueller, Debbie (Jeff) Johnson; and his sons: Gary Thurner, Mark Thurner (Ana Margheritis), and Kevin Thurner.
He was so very proud of his grandchildren: Nadine Tarabishi, Manar (Alethea) Tarabishi, Beth Stadtmueller (Collin Kieffer), Britt Johnson, Brynn Johnson, Deidre (Frank) Jaeckel, Lance Thurner (Amy Starecheski), Kensey Thurner, and Olga Osorio Thurner. Harold cherished the youngest members of the family, his dear great grandchildren: Ian and Brody Luehring, Sidney Starturner, Clara Kieffer, and Kadin Tarabishi.
Surviving, and also fondly remembered by Harold, are Lynn Thurner (Charles Lee) and Alejandra Osorio.
Harold wished to thank not only all those who helped and assisted him during the last difficult years since his stroke, but everyone, family and friends alike, who traveled with him, sharing in the many joys and sorrows of his life's journey.
A Mass of Resurrection will be held Saturday, August 24th, at 11:00am at St. Patrick's, Menasha WI, with visitation at the church from 9:00 to 11:00.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online Condolences:
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from August 21 to August 23, 2013

Harold married Wege, Gloria (daughter of Wege, Edward and Pohlman, Irene) [Group Sheet]