Richard E. Thurston

Richard E Thurston, 74, of Grand Forks died peacefully, surrounded by his wife and two daughters on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks.

Richard was born on March 2, 1950, in Cavalier, North Dakota to Ronald and Alice (Werner) Thurston. He grew up in Cavalier and graduated from Cavalier High School with the Class of 1968. He married Lori Swanson on November 1, 1986. Richard was a member of Tongue River Masonic Lodge #22, Kem Shrine Temple, Langdon Scottish Rite, and a former president of the 49ers. In 2013, he retired from the North Dakota Highway Patrol after 33 years. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, gardening, cooking/canning, photography, food critiquing, and carpentry.

Richard is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lori;  daughters: Emily (John) Tweten and Molly Marek; grandchildren: Makson Richard, Maisyn Leigh, Stetsen John, & Stevie Jae Tweten, Laila Alice, Kashden Michael, & Rogan Richard Marek, all of Grand Forks; mother, Alice Gudmundson; brothers: Peter Gudmundson & John (Bobbi) Gudmundson, brothers/sisters-in-law: Duane (Shari) Swanson, Mark (Kathy) Swanson, & Chris (Mike) St. Germain; along with several nieces & nephews.

Richard is preceded in death by infant twin sons: Casey and Cody; father, Ronald Thurston; stepfather, Pete Gudmundson; brother, Robert Thurston, and both maternal and paternal grandparents.

A Memorial Service will be held at Amundson Funeral Home at 11:00am on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Visitation will start one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to the family to send to a charity of Richard’s choosing.