Norman W. Thurow, 88, of Sparta and formerly of Milwaukee and Grafton, Wis., died peacefully in his sleep April 20, 2013, at Morrow Memorial Home.
He was born Dec. 30, 1924, to Anna (Schram) and Henry Thurow. He was baptized at Zebaoth Lutheran and confirmed into the Christian faith at Immanuel Lutheran in Milwaukee.
After graduating from Rufus King High School, Norman served his country as a radio operator in the Army Air Corps. He was passionate about the time he spent in the air flying over the Himalayas throughout Southeast Asia, India, Burma and China.
Norman married Lois (Burghardt) on Aug. 14, 1948. During their almost 50 years of marriage, they raised four children. He was a proud member of Rose-Harms American Legion Post 355 in Grafton, where he served as post commander. He also served as Ozaukee County Commander and Oratorical Chairman for the American Legion Department of Wisconsin. In September 2010, he enjoyed his trip to Washington D.C. with other veterans on the Freedom Honor Flight. He was a member of American Legion Post 467 in Ontario at the time of his death.
In 1981, after 30 years of service, Norman retired from Wisconsin Electric Power Company, where he had worked as an inspector. He held fond memories of his retirement years when Lois and he lived in Lillian, Ala., and traveled to visit family and friends across the country. Norman had a great love for music and for playing the accordion. More recently, he loved to listen to his granddaughter Kayla play piano at community events and recitals.
Norman is survived by his children, Sandra (Thomas) Preininger of San Antonio, Texas, Jeffrey (Bonnie) Thurow of New Berlin, Wis., Scott (Robin) Thurow of Washington, and Jacqueline (Harvey) Menn of Norwalk. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Heather (Ray) Hambrick, Dr. Bradley (Marianna) Lega, and Kayla, Jenna, Ryan and Kyle Menn; and two great-grandchildren, Iliana and Mark Lega.
His wife, Lois, and his sister, Bernice Gurrath, preceded him in death.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 4, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sparta. The Rev. Mark Wessel will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
A graveside committal service with full military honors will be at 3:30 p.m. at the Valhalla Memorial Park, 5401 N. 91st St., Milwaukee.
The Torkelson Page-Smith Funeral Home in Sparta is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
