Allen J. Thurow

Allen J. Thurow, 79, of Neosho passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Oconomowoc. Al leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and a deep love for his family and community.

Allen was born on July 28, 1945, the son of Helmut and Arbuta (Lindert) Thurow in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin.  He was a 1964 graduate of Hartford Union High School.  In 1973, he was married to Dorothy Mianowski.  He later married Janet Lemke on Feb. 14, 2006.

Born into a farming family, Al began working on the family dairy farm at a young age.  When his father passed away, he took over the operation at just 18 years old, running the farm with the support of his entire family.  Even after selling the dairy cattle, his passion for agriculture continued as he transitioned to grain farming. Allen was an early leader in soil conservation practices and sharing his knowledge with other farmers. Al also spent time listening, advising and consoling other fellow farmers who were dealing with the tough financial situation that affected many farmers.

In 2000, Allen pursued a new venture in custom homes building, becoming the general contractor of Al’s Country Contracting.  Through his work in farming and construction, he built a strong and enduring relationship with the Amish community, earning their trust and friendship over the years.

A true people person, Allen found joy in his work and whether it was farming, or construction had no problem putting in 16 hour days because he loved what he did.  His giving spirit was evident in his many acts of kindness, helping other farmers, giving away sweet corn every year to just about everyone he knew or recently donating food and needed items to the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary.

Beyond work, Al enjoyed hunting and was known as quite a marksman. Some of Al’s best stories came from the Gehl, Thurow, Strobel, Gault deer hunting party days. Al was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need and his legacy of generosity, hard work, and community spirit will live on in the many lives he touched.

Al will be deeply missed by his wife Janet; his children: Tony (Maria) Thurow of Houston, TX, Stephanie Thurow (Kelvin Dugbo) Thurow of Madison and Mike Thurow (Sam Pease) of Neosho; Grandchildren: Ashley Thurow, Alex Thurow and Gabriella Thurow; step daughters: Daisy Davison and Tiffany Davison and step grandson Hunter Zastrow; his siblings Dale Thurow, Joyce Thurow, Jane (Dave) Pluim and Ed (Jane) Thurow and his former wife Dorothy Thurow.  He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters: Judy Thurow, Mary Tapp and Joan Diels; his brother Earl Thurow and his nephew Rick Thurow.

A visitation for Al will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam.  A funeral service will begin at 5:00 p.m. with Chaplin Nick Slater officiating.  Private family burial will be at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Al’s name may be directed to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or to the MacCanon Brown Homeless Sanctuary, Milwaukee, WI.

The Koepsell-Murray Funeral Home in Beaver Dam is serving the family.  Online condolences may be made at www.koepsellfh.com.