Allan “Big Al” Olaf Thurston

Minot

Allan Thurston, 81, Minot, ND, died Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Trinity Hospital in Minot

Allan “Big Al” Olaf Thurston was born on January 16, 1943, in Sisseton, SD to Ralph and Alpha (Hollen) Thurston. He was raised on the family farm. He graduated from Sisseton High School in 1961. While in school he was involved with the FFA, played football and enjoyed horseback riding.

Following high school, he worked on the family dairy farm until he moved to Minot. He primarily drove truck most of his career. He retired from Ferrellgas. He was the owner of Magic City Striping, where he had the help of family and friends.

Allan married Joyce Mayou on June 27, 1964, and they were blessed with three children, Lori, Gene and Michelle. Family was always top priority, he attended every activity his children were involved in, and continued that with his grandkids activities as well.

He loved the sport of golf with his family and his golf buddies. Big Al was loved by everyone, always cracking jokes and had the best personality of anyone around him. He had so much love for everyone and was the most humble man. He enjoyed his horse, Q-Ball, gardening, bowling, golfing, fishing, card playing, casino trips and watching the Vikings games. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.

Allan moved to The View in August of 2022. He loved calling The View his home and had so many residents he called friends. He enjoyed playing cards especially pinochle and fellowship.

His loving family includes: wife of 59 years, Joyce; children, Lori Johnson, Gene (Jolynn) Thurston, Michelle (Shane) Barber; grandchildren, Danielle (Taylor) Wixo, Jake (Brittany) Thurston, Jenna Thurston, Griffin Thurston, Alissa Barber, Macee Barber; great-grandchildren, Knox, Logan, Abby, and Alora; siblings, Andrew Thurston, and Marcy Aas; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins

He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Wayne Cooper and Lucille George.

Funeral Service: Thursday, May 23, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 22, 2024.