Elmer Thurn Obituary (1934 - 2013) - Mandan, North Dakota

Elmer Thurn, 78, Bismarck, died, Thursday, May 2, 2013, at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at Faith Lutheran Church, Bismarck, with Rev. Jon Splichal Larson, officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 5-7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 7, 2013, with a prayer service at 6:00 PM, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan. Visitation continues one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be on Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at 2:30 PM at St. Andrew's Cemetery, Zeeland, North Dakota. Elmer was born November 27, 1934, to Andrew and Magdalena (Martel) Thurn. He grew up on the family farm in McIntosh County and attended school in Zeeland. On January 1, 1956, Elmer married the love of his life, Berniece Meidinger, at Zeeland Parish. He and Berniece spent their first years together on the farm, until they made their home in Bismarck where they raised their six daughters. Elmer retired from employment with the State of North Dakota after 20 years of service. Elmer quietly loved life, the land, and all living things. His tender and caring ways shown through when he spread corn for the pheasants in his back yard and when he watched the birds and deer there. He shared his gardening talents with many through his preservation of the beautiful flowers and lawns on the State Capitol grounds and through the bounty of his vegetable gardens. Elmer was an avid fan of NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and of the Minnesota Vikings. He enjoyed attending Viking's games and following their season each year. His unfailing faith in Christ and love for his family was first and foremost in his life. His quiet presence will be greatly missed by his wife of 57 years, Berniece; daughters Pam (Todd) Hanson, Williston; Patty (Bimbo) Nation, Encampment, Wyo.; Phyllis (Dave) Piatz, Bismarck; Peggy Posey, Omaha, Neb.; Paulette Thurn (Mike Hoffman), Bismarck and Penny (Darren) Holland, Jamestown; 36 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; sisters Ruth Speidel, Bismarck; Freida (Arndt) Ketterling, Wishek; sisters and brothers-in-law Milton and June Meidinger, Mandan; Victor Just, Yellville, Ark.; Eileen Meidinger, Bismarck; Kara Meidinger, Aurora, Col.; Stan and Cindy Meidinger, Bismarck; Alfred (Gail) Meidinger, Jemez Springs, New Mex. He was preceded in death by his infant son, his parents, father and mother-in-law, Ferdinand and Lea Meidinger; brothers-in-law Marvin Speidel, Ray Meidinger, Clarence Meidinger and sister-in-law Florence (Meidinger) Just.