Harvey V. Thurs

Harvey V. Thurs, 90, entered his eternal life on Saturday, March 11, 2023 holding the hand of his wife, Mavis, of 69 years, and surrounded by family. Harvey treasured his family, his 10 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

He was born on August 22, 1932  in Hamburg, WI, son of the late Gust and Gertrude (Mueller) Thurs. He attended Maple Grove School.  He met Mavis Kriewald at a dance at Schmidt’s Ballroom and they were married on September 19, 1953. Together they ran a family farm until 1965.  At that time, they moved to Weston, WI and he became a Painter and then Glazier with Hoffer’s Glass Company.  He had many long-lasting friendships with his co-workers.  He enjoyed his retirement and numerous travels with his wife to Ireland, Hawaii, Holland, Germany with the Pommerscher Verein German Club, and many bus trips. 

Harvey will be remembered for his wonderful craftsman skills, gardening, time spent up north with family, especially numerous tractor rides on his Alice A/Ford 8N with grandkids and great grandchildren.  He also loved playing sheepshead cards, strawberry and cherry picking, and making wine.  He looked forward to family visits and nightly phone calls speaking German with his brother, Elgart. His sweet tooth was satisfied with his love for candy bars, cut-out sugar cookies, ice cream treats, and his” chocolate-mint dessert” aka Copenhagen.

Harvey was a very caring man and always put others first; you could always find him helping his brothers, family and neighbors.  He was a 13 year colon cancer survivor; a true hero showing great strength and courage during his illness.  

He was a life-long Christian, being baptized and confirmed at St. Peter’s Church in Hamburg, WI.  He was a member at Mt Calvary Lutheran Church, Rothschild, WI from 1965-time of his death.  He served on church council, and if asked, he always helped, he happily served and shared his woodworking skills with the church by doing multiple projects, and he was also the grounds keeper. 

We wish to thank the doctors at Aspirus Cancer Center, especially Dr Hamied Rezazadeh and Dr Jennine Larsen, for making him a cancer survivor.  We cannot thank Aspirus Hospice Care Team enough for their wonderful comfort care over the last 6 months. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Gust and Gertrude Thurs, his in-laws, Harold and Alice Kriewald, Brothers, Wilmar (Alladine) Thurs, Norman Thurs, and Orville (Iris) Thurs, and sister-in-laws Shirley Thurs and JoAnne Schubring.  Brother-in-law, Gerald Kriewald.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Mavis, and his brother Elgart Thurs. Children Cheryl (Ken) Utecht, Kim (Jill) Thurs, Char (Jeff) Marcell, and Amy (Pete) Jaglinski.  His 10 grandchildren - Lucas Utecht, Heather Grusznski, Mike Thurs, Sarah Thurs, Nicole Riemer, Tara Lancelle, Tanner, Bryce, Seth and Kyle Jaglinski.  And his 12 precious great-Grandchildren: Coen and Anna Utecht, Jude and Adelynn Grusznski, Jacob and Madilyn Thurs, Caleb and Aubrie Riemer, Gavin, Isabelle and Jasper Lancelle, and Jackson Jaglinski with another great grandchild due in May.  

Harvey lived his daily life with a strong faith and continued to share God’s message until the end.  He will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on through his family.

In lieu of flowers the family will donate memorials to Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services, Wausau, WI https://www.aspirus.org/donate-now and Mt Calvary Lutheran Church, 503 Schmidt Ave, Rothschild, WI.