Arthur Thurston Obituary

Arthur "Art" Thurston

2025

Arthur N. Thurston, age 90, of Grand Rapids, MN, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital in Grand Rapids, MN.

Art was born in Aldrich, MN in 1935 to Arthur and Helen Thurston. He attended school in Carlton, MN. Art was united in marriage to the love of his life, Ardyce, on March 9, 1957, and in 1961 the couple made their home in Grand Rapids.

Right after high school, Art began working for Minnesota Power. He remained there for 40 years, retiring from the Clay Boswell plant, as an Instrument and Control Supervisor. However, he preferred to stay busy, so he returned to the working world and went to work for Novaspect, as a consultant upgrading two power plants in North Carolina. When he fully retired, he and Ardyce began traveling with friends, going coast to coast and border to border in their camper. They also made several trips to Hawaii.

Art was very methodical and precise, nothing was ever done without researching it first, and he usually ended back with his first choice. He lived by the rule of "measure twice and cut once" and he passed this along to his family. Known as "Mr. Fixit", he always had his trusty tool bag ready. When visiting family, the tool bag was close by, one never knew when something needed fixing. He was a kind man that cherished his family, and enjoyed helping them out, attending activities and events that his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were involved in. Art was the ultimate family man and will be dearly missed by his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Margaret and Marilyn; and son Gregory. Art is survived by his wife and best friend of 68 years, Ardyce; children, Diane (Tom) Gilmore, Deborah Meierotto, Karen (Terry) Sell; daughter-in-law, Nancy Thurston; nine grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren with another arriving soon.

A private family service will be held.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.