Russell George Thurmes

Russell George Thurmes, 59, of Kenyon, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023.

Russ was born on February 5th,1964 in Stillwater, MN to Hubert and Donnamae Thurmes. He was the youngest of 13 siblings and grew up in Kenyon where he graduated from Kenyon High School in 1982. After graduation, he married and moved to Rapid City, SD where he raised his three children. He loved being a dad and took great pride in coaching his children in baseball and softball. Russ was an avid sports fan, spending most weekends playing flag football, softball, or rooting for his favorite teams. After his children were grown, he moved back to his hometown of Kenyon and worked for the State of Minnesota as a Correctional Officer until he medically retired in 2015. During this time, he also wanted to give back to the town he loved and decided to run as a write-in candidate for Kenyon City Council. He served for almost three years, where he greatly enjoyed representing the citizens of Kenyon and discussing local issues.

Russ truly loved being around his family and friends. Some of his best times were had at his sister Tammy's farm, enjoying great food, fireworks, and lots of laughs. In Kenyon, you could find him riding around on his golf cart, hanging at the Muni, or enjoying the yearly Kenyon Rose Fest. He loved golfing with friends, grabbing a buffet at OCB, and sharing stories around a backyard fire pit. Russ also liked playing card games like Three-Card Guts and Change the Diaper, throwing dice with his buddies, fantasy football, and betting on football boards. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and have a good time. He was a fierce supporter of law enforcement and enjoyed going on ride-alongs with his oldest son and listening to the police scanner. He acted tough, but he loved a great tearjerker-some of his favorites were Prancer and La Bamba. He had a huge heart and cared greatly about those closest to him. He carried himself with dignity and strength, stood by his principles, and truly loved God and his country. Above all else, he loved spending time with his six beautiful grandchildren. To know Russ was to love him, and he will be missed dearly by many.

He is survived by his children Justin (Emma) Thurmes of Mantorville, MN, Josh (Crystal) Thurmes of Spearfish, SD, and Jessica Thurmes (Dustin Payne) of Rapid City, SD, his grandchildren Brooklynn, Julian, Zoey, Brothers, Daisy and Harrison, and his siblings Melody (Sheldon) Wendorf, Linda (Tom) Gillitzer, Chris (Jan) Lodahl, Karla (Joe) Evans, Mike (Robin) Thurmes, Marty Thurmes, Tammy (Danny) David, and Beverly (Arvid) Jedlicka, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father Hubert, his mother Donnamae, and siblings Rondie, Brian, Lloyd, and Leonard.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Father's Day, June 18th, at Dale Lutheran Church, 9210 County 12 Blvd., Kenyon, followed by a celebration of life at the VFW, 601 2nd St A, Kenyon.

 Cards may be sent to 60722 254th Ave., Mantorville, MN 55955.

Arrangements entrusted to SUMMIT Funeral & Cremation

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