Norman Thurston

Services for Norman Thurston, 87, of Groton will be 2:00pm, Tuesday at the United Methodist Church, Groton. Pastor Jan Price will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Aberdeen under the direction of Paetznick-Garness Funeral Chapel, Groton. Military honors will be provided by Groton Legion Post #39.

Visitation will be held Monday at the chapel from 4-8pm with a prayer service at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue Tuesday at the church.

Norman passed away Saturday, July 07, 2007 at Avera St. Lukes Hospital, Aberdeen.

Norman Thurston, son of Art and Cora (Stauffenberg) Thurston was born on January 11, 1920, in Putney, SD. He attended Putney School and Aberdeen Central High School. He was drafted and served in the 27th Division 165th Infantry, Company K during WWII from October 1941 to October 1945. During this time he was engaged in battles on the Marianas Islands, the Gilbert Islands, the Marshall Islands, the Soloman Islands and Guam. He was wounded on Saipan Island and awarded the Purple Heart.

Norman married Audrey Thompson on December 14, 1945 in Groton, SD and they made their home and farmed in the Putney area. Norman also bought, trucked, fed and sold cattle in SD and surrounding states. He retired in 1980 and moved to Groton. He enjoyed doing woodworking, hunting and fishing.

Norman was a life long member of the Groton United Methodist Church. He served on the Administrative Board and the Board of Trustees. He also served on the Putney Elevator Board and was a member of the American Legion Post #39.

Norman's family was his pride and joy. Grateful for having shared his life is his wife, Audrey, one son, Gary (Linda) Thurston of Aberdeen; 3 grandchildren, Todd (Debbie) Thurston of Groton, Rob (Kristi) Thurston of Sioux Falls, and Rick (Kate) Thurston of Yankton; six great-grandchildren: Mitchel, Riley, Emilie, Drew, Madison and Kennedy.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, brother Lyle and sister Lorine Rosenow.

Casketbearers will be Todd Thurston, Rob Thurston, Rick Thurston, Craig Weber, Mick Sippel and Orville Schaller.

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