Thurn, Francis E.

Francis E. Thurn, 78, of Edgewood, Iowa, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Francis Ernest Thurn was born March 27, 1935, at rural Edgewood, the son of Ernest J. and Alma (Beyer) Thurn. Francis “Buddy” attended Lodomillo #10 rural school and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1953. He was united in marriage to Joyce Kuehl on July 15, 1962, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Elkport. Two children were born to this union.

Francis spent his entire life farming the family farm. He was baptized, confirmed and was an active lifelong member of Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport, where he had served often on the church council. He was also active in the community, currently serving as a township trustee. He was a past member of the Clayton County Zoning Board, Clayton County Pork Producers and president of the Edgewood Cooperative. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.

Francis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce of Edgewood; his children, Richard Thurn of Edgewood and Michele (Steve) Von Handorf of Guttenberg; his grandchildren, Hannah, Abby and Josef Von Handorf; his sister, Elizabeth McGuffin of Des Moines; his brother-in-law, Ronald (Mary) Kuehl of Elkader; and four nephews, David, Michael, Mark and Donald McGuffin and their families.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother-in-law, Paul McGuffin.

Online condolences may be sent to .

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30, at Leonard-Muller Funeral Home in Edgewood, and after 10 a.m. Friday at the church. Funeral Service: 11 a.m. Friday at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport, Iowa, with the Rev. Paul Fohs officiating. Interment: Union Cemetery, rural Littleport.

Published in The Gazette May 29, 2013.