Frederick Thurston

Frederick "Fuzzy" Charles Thurston, 80, passed from this life to his heavenly home on December 14, 2014, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer's and cancer.

Fuzzy was born on December 29, 1933, in Altoona, Wisconsin, the youngest of 8 children of Charles and Marie Thurston. He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Susan (Eggleston) Thurston on June 23, 1957. They were married for 55 years at the time of her death on October 23, 2012. He was the loving and caring father to Mark, Griff, and Tori and grandfather to Olivia and Fred Thurston and Joey Kluck.

After graduating from Altoona High School, he went to Valparaiso University on a basketball scholarship. He didn't begin playing collegiate football until his junior season where he led Valparaiso to an Indiana Conference title and was twice selected All-American. He was named the conference Top lineman in 1955. The Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the NFL draft in the 4th round. In 1956, he was drafted by the U.S. Army where he served 21 months of duty and played football for the Army. In 1958, he played football for the Chicago Bears, again for the Eagles and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers before playing on the NFL Champion Baltimore Colts. He was traded to the Green Bay Packers in 1959 where he played Left Guard and was and remained a fan favorite. He played during the team's Glory Years under coach Vince Lombardi. He and fellow Guard Jerry Kramer led the Packers Power Sweep running attack. He won 5 NFL Championships with the Packers including the first 2 Super Bowls. He was named All-Pro twice, receiving the most votes of any player in 1962. He is one of only 3 players in football history to play on six World Championship teams (one with the Colts and 5 with the Packers). He was inducted into The Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1975. He was elected to the Indianan Football Hall of Fame in 1982, and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. He was the first athlete ever to be voted in by the people of Wisconsin.

Fuzzy remained popular in Wisconsin after his playing days while owning several restaurants. This allowed him to stay in touch with the Packer fans who he loved so much. He was co-owner of The Left Guard Restaurants from the 1960's – 1980's. He owned Fuzzy's Shenanigans from 1984 until 1999 and Fuzzy's 63 Bar and Grill from 1999 until 2010. He also owned Fuzzy's Tickets and Tours taking pride in helping fans enjoy the tradition of experiencing a Packer game. He frequently participated in numerous golf outings, and events to raise money for charities.

Fuzzy and Sue raised their kids in Neenah, where they loved being involved in all their activities. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved spending time with them. They also spent many wonderful summers at their cottage on Upper Clear Lake with family and friends making special memories. Traveling to Marco Island, Florida for vacations in the early years and later living in Naples, Florida in the winter months brought them great joy as well. They spent their last years together on the beautiful Chain of Lakes in Waupaca, which they thought of as heaven on earth.

A kind and giving soul, Fuzzy always appreciated people with a firm handshake or huge hug. He was known for his big heart and being fun to be around. With Fuzzy, the glass wasn't half full, it was overflowing. He chose to make every day a great day. Fuzzy always had a kind word and an autograph for friends and strangers alike. He made time for everyone. He could easily light up a room with his smile. Despite his illnesses, he remained cheerful and true to his sweet spirit to the very end. He will be sadly missed by his family and numerous friends.

Survivors include three children, Mark (Carol) Thurston Green Bay, Griff (Robin) Thurston, Fort Meyers, Florida, Tori (Jerry) Burton, DePere; three grandchildren: Olivia and Fred Thurston and Joey Kluck.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; his siblings; his in-laws, Gordy and Lila Eggleston, and numerous other relatives.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2014, at The Lambeau Field Atrium in the Legends Club Room, 1265 Lombardi Ave., Green Bay. A visitation will be held from 11:00am until time of service. Packer attire is welcomed. *Please use The American Family Insurance Entrance*

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fuzzy Thurston Memorial Fund.

Family would like to thank the entire staff at Alpha Senior Concepts and Unity Hospice. Each person in their own way brought great care, support, comfort, and happiness to our dad and we will be forever grateful.