Don Leon Thurwatcher

Don L. Thurwatcher was a lifelong resident of Oshkosh. Born December 14, 1930 in Oshkosh, WI he passed away with family members at his side on December 30, 2016. He owned and operated Dons Hobby Mart and Dons Stamp Shop from 1950-1997. He also operated outdoor fireworks stands for over 55 years.Don was the son of Leon and Leona Thurwatcher. He married his high school sweetheart Joyce Golz and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage before she passed away in 2014.Don belonged to the Oshkosh Masonic Lodge #27 and White Shrine of Jerusalem and the Earth Science Club. He was a member of the Oshkosh Philatelic Society and the American Philatelic Society, Oshkosh Fraternal Order of Eagles #267 being a Past President and member of the Past Presidents Club. He was a past member of the National Philatelic Society, Society of Philatelic Americans, FDL Philatelic Society, and Oshkosh Noon Optimists Club. He was a past Charter Member of the Franklin Mint Collectors Society and participated in their first cruise in 1974. Colonel Sanders was also a Charter Member of that group and was also on that same cruise. Meeting him was a sheer delight. Don was a member of St. Johns Church in Nekimi.Dons interests included the Boy Scouts attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He was also a past Scout Master of Troop #14. His hobbies included stamp collecting, photography, reading and gardening. He earned the title of Driveway Gardener after he switched to containers on the driveway when he could no longer work the earth.In his earlier years the family went tent camping to the Black Hills, Mt. Rushmore, Devils Tower, Petrified Forest, the Grand Canyon and Carlsbad Caverns. He was a great historian.Don is survived by sons Jeff (Linda) Thurwatcher and Bruce (Diana) Thurwatcher, grandchildren Scott Thurwatcher and Heather (Craig) Peerenboom, great-grandchildren Veronica (Nica), Haily and Donovin Peerenboom and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce, infant daughter Sheri Joy and great-grandson Vincent James Scott Peerenboom. A memorial service will be held at St. Johns Lutheran Church of Nekimi at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 with Rev. James Reiff officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. An Eagle's Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Burial will be in Peace Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.

St John Lutheran Church - Nekimi



491 Old Oregon Rd
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.



St John Lutheran Church - Nekimi

Eagle Service

491 Old Oregon Rd
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
1:30 p.m.



St John Lutheran Church - Nekimi



491 Old Oregon Rd
Oshkosh
WI
54902

00:00.0
2:00 p.m.



Peace Lutheran Cemetery



Waukau Ave
Oshkosh
WI
54902