
It was Sunday evening, April 31 as I was looking for former classmates I came across Dave's obituary. I was surprised yet somewhat expecting to see it as I had heard he was very ill.  
I am so very sorry for your loss and extend to you my deepest and most sincere condolences to you and your family.
Dave and I went to Golgatha Grade School from which we graduated and where we were confirmed.  
I always heard about Dave from Rich Stelter who was also a classmate. Sadly Rich passed away unexpectedly last September.  I spoke to Rich's niece at his wake and she told me Rich was concerned about Dave because he was so ill. It was then I was beginning to wonder more about Dave's health.
I also went to Luther South with Dave's cousin Dave.  Because they both had the same name it was always confusing which one Rich was talking about.  Dave G or Dave A because Rich also knew Dave A.
My brother Chuck Haak was a teacher at St. Paul in Melrose Park and Dave also knew him.  Chuck met you at one point when he was on an accredidation team for your school a few years back.
In grade school I always thought Dave and Bob Baikie were the cutest guys in the class. Looking at the two pictures posted he was still quite handsome.
Reading what others have said about Dave really touched my heart.  To hear he was so dedicated as a teacher and so loved by former students is proof there are some really good teachers doing one of the hardest job there is.  
My brother told me Dave received the Teacher of the year award a couple years after my brother did.  That is a very big honor to receive such an award and I am so please to hear Dave received such an award.
Although we lost contact after grade school graduation, I always had very fond thoughts about him and would hear of him from time to time from Chuck or Rich.
Again, my sincere condolences to you and your family.  Dave suffers no more and the Lord has welcomed him with open arms.  Rest in peace my friend. Rest in peace.

You were the best teacher and will be greatly missed

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thurn family. Mr. Thurn touched so many young lives and as some else said, his legend will live on! God Bless,

Tammy (Toth) Togtman

On behalf of Elaine Hoffmann's family as well as myself I wish you comfort in your memories of Dave's service to the Savior.  Peter Hoffmann

Dear Mrs. Thurn and family, 

I was deeply saddened when I learned of Mr. Thurns passing. You both were my favorite teachers growing up at Trinity. I truly believe that without his 7th grade science class, I wouldn't be pursing my bachelor's degree in Biology. His love of science encouraged me to lean more, so I wish I could have thanked him for that. He was such an inspiration to those who met him and I will miss him dearly. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Kathy,
I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He is such a big part of my grade school memories at Trinity. May God bless and comfort you and your family.

Jeff and Sharon Lorenz

Mr.Thurn you were a wonderful teacher and an amazing friend to my father. My whole family will miss you so much

Dear Kathy & Family, Sending our deepest condolences for your loss of Dave. We truly believe he is with God in Heaven.  God's blessings comfort & peace be with you. Love, Ray & Gloria Etscheid Crane

It was with great sadness that our family learned of Mr. Thurn's passing. He will forever be a part of my children's childhood memories and we wish to offer his lovely family our deepest sympathy over their loss.  The world is a bit less bright for having lost such a wonderful person from amongst us. God bless and comfort you all in this time of grief.  Sincerely the Niemin family,

Many good memories of Mr. Thurn as a teacher.  He helped me with my confidence.  Sending hugs and saying prayers for you Kathy and the family.  Such a huge loss.  Julie Smith Allison and Mark

May the peace that passes all understanding  heal all sorrow and grief for family and 
 friends of Dave. I roomed with Dave at Concordia River Forrest. I taught 35 years at IMMANUEL Valparaiso, and saw Dave a few times when he was refereeing. For 41 years Dave taught us how to live in Christ, now he has shown us how to experience the resurrection. Easter joy overcomes all sorrow. Phil Bickel, Valpo

Kathy I'm so sorry to hear of Dave's passing .We may not of been the closes't of friends but he truly was one of the best.I'm sure God is telling Dave " A job well done " My prayer's go out to you and your family..Scoot & Rose Mason.

He was a warm and caring teacher always going that extra step for his students He was one of a kind and he  truly was a kind and gentle man who's faith in God radiated around him Rest in peace now Mr. Thurn you are finally in your heavenly home I will never forget you

Sorry  for your loss.   Mr. Thurn was a big part of memories of Trinity.

Dave Thurn Was a colleague and a friend. We taught together many years in Lansing. He taught children for eternity.  He is now eternally at rest with His Lord. See ya later, Dave!!

Dear Mrs. Thurn & Family, 
My deepest condolences on the loss of Mr. Thurn.  The world lost a wonderful man. A great educator & mentor. A man firmly rooted in his faith & family. Someone who had a huge impact on my life as a child growing up & attending TLS.  He will greatly be missed, but remember although he is gone, his legend lives on.  Gone but never to be forgot.  Love you all!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

 Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
 Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
 That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
 God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

 It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

 God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not  be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me. 

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

Mr. Thurn was such a wonderful teacher and man. He and Mrs. Thurn really made me feel so welcome at Trinity. He will be dearly missed by all his students and family. Rest well, Mr. Thurn. Your journey on earth is now complete.

Such a heartbreaking Loss.........reviewing the pictures is such a reminder.........

Dear Thurn Family ~ Remember that his life is not over, it has simply changed.  My prayers are with you for His Comfort and Peace.
With love ~

Cousin Dave was such a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, teacher and faithful servant of Our Lord.  We will truly miss him but know that he is happy in heaven.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and his wonderful family.  Love, Dale, Debbi and Dale, Jr.

OBITUARY

David G. Thurn

April 30, 1947 – April 15, 2015

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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