Orville J. Thurston Sr.

Orville John Thurston Sr., 76, of Brainerd, died Saturday, March 28, 2009, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. Private family services were held.

Orville was born July 27, 1932, in Palisade, Minn., the son of Frank and Jenny (Prickett) Thurston. He spent most of his life in the Brainerd lakes area. He enjoyed traveling, cards and mechanical work.

Orville is survived by his wife, Mary; his children, Barb, June, Dale, Bonita (Richard), Cheryl (Darwin), Laurene (Mike), Mary (Tony), Orville and Kent; 27 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Larry Thurston. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Chapel of Baxter.