John H. Thurk

John H. Thurk, 90, of La Crosse, passed away at his home while surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. John was born in LeRoy, WI., on September 11, 1932 to Clarence and Rose (Oechsner) Thurk. He married Sylvia M. Schabel in LeRoy on November 9, 1957. John had proudly served his country with the United States Army and was a member of the Coon Valley American Legion Post 116. He had served as the American Legion District Commander and State Vice Commander as well. As a dedicated member of St. Joseph Ridge Parish, John had served on the parish council. His many interests included woodworking, involvement in the scouting program, making maple syrup, camping and volunteering as a snowmobile safety instructor. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed holiday gatherings, attending his grandchildren’s events and always displayed kindness, understanding and a caring love of people. John was proud of his 32 year career at Mathy Construction where he worked until his retirement. Following retirement from Mathy, John started a new “Career” with Ace Hardware that lasted another 20 years. In addition to his wife Sylvia, John is survived by his children, Gary (Kim) Thurk, Tom (Karla) Thurk, Sherry (Randy Peterson) Hougom, Todd (Lois) Baldwin, his sister Kate Quinn, grandchildren Ben, Jessica, Kayla, Emily, Kylie, Tim, Dylan, Kendon, Brooke, Brittany and one great grandson Ledger John. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Charlie, Mike and George, two sisters Rosemary and Clarice and his beloved granddaughter Sara. The family would like to give a special thank you to Heart to Hearth, Village Caregiving, the Gundersen Hospice team, the Veterans Administration and Taylor. We would like to also thank all the people who have been part of dad's life throughout the years. You know who you are! A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Monday, April 3, 2023 at St. Joseph Ridge Catholic church. Monsignor Robert Hundt and Rev. Biju Kunjukutty will officiate. Burial with military honors provided by Coon Valley American Legion Post 116 and the Department of the Army Funeral Honors Detail will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call on the family Sunday evening at the church from 3 until 6pm and again at the church Monday morning from 10am until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Sara Rose Hougom Foundation, American Legion Post 116 Coon Valley or St. Joseph Ridge Parish.