HOLMEN- Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Thurston, 71 of Holmen, formerly of Sparta/Tomah/West Salem, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024. He was born on July 26th, 1952 to Bill & Ardell (Berry) Thurston in Sparta. Jeff grew up in Farmers Valley and attended Sparta High School’s graduating class of 1970. On May 5, 1973 he was united in marriage to Marsha R. Guthrie at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Tomah. Jeff and Marsha lived in Madison until 1976 when they moved back to the Sparta area.
Over the course of his diverse career, Jeff worked for Badger Welding, Gardner Baking, Sparta Co-op, Schendel Brothers, Gerke Excavating, and Wayne Bohl Trucking. He proudly served the Sparta community as a volunteer fireman from 1976 to 1982. Jeff established Thurston Distributing in 1993, and in 2009 he and Marsha purchased Neshonoc Sports in West Salem. Jeff retired in 2014 to spend more time with family and friends.
Jeff was an avid outdoorsman. A family man who enjoyed vacationing, time by the campfire, riding the ATV trails, hunting, fishing, cruising around on his motorcycles, sports car, pontoon, and golf cart. He loved grilling out, gardening, and complaining about the weather (amongst other things), and perhaps most of all, watching the Green Bay Packers dominate the NFC North! He was a gifted storyteller with a great sense of humor who brought joy to our lives.
He is survived by his wife Marsha, daughters Jaime (Jay) Gremore of Mindoro, Melanie (Travis) Straate of Holmen, his beloved grandchildren Jake (Selma) Weber of Colorado Springs, and William Straate of Holmen, sisters JoAnn Crocker, Kathy Sanders, Linda (Eldie) Erickson, and Tari (Chad) Skinner, father-in-law and mother-in-law Miles & Dorla Guthrie, sisters-in-law Mary Thurston, Lynn (Al) Smith, brother-in-law Steven (Joyce) Guthrie, nieces, nephews, and many other friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom, brother-in-law Ron Sanders, and nephew Rob Culpitt.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22nd from 11am-3pm at Club 16 Banquet Hall, in Sparta, WI. Lunch will be provided.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
