Bob Thurow
Robert “Bob” Joseph Thurow passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026 at his home in Sebring, Florida surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on December 19, 1941 in Scottville to Genevieve (Gerbers) and Ranold Thurow. He graduated from Mason County Central High School in 1960 and went on to Central Michigan University to play football for one year. Bob returned to the family farm, at 24 years old, to take over the business. Bob and his kids worked to expand the farm from just 40 acres when he was a child to 2,000 acres today. He retired in 2004.
Bob married Deedra (Weinert) on June 5, 1965 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ludington. They celebrated 50 wonderful years together until her passing in 2015. They raised three beautiful children together: Chris, Greg, and Jill.
On August 28, 2016 Bob married Mary Singler Johnson at Thurow Farms. They spent 10 lovely years together often traveling, playing cards with friends, and spending the winters in Florida.
In Bob’s younger years, you could often find him on the softball field. Bob played for several fast pitch softball teams, notably Urka’s and Custer VFW, and he was a tremendous left -handed pitcher. Some of his fondest memories were receiving the Class A State Runner Up title in 1968 with Urka’s and the Class C State Championship title in 1977 with Custer VFW.
Bob was very involved in his community, serving as a board member and elder for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Scottville, Great Lakes Energy board of directors, Wolverine Power board of directors, Mason County Road Commission, Mason-Lake Conservation District board of directors, and Mason County Zoning Commission.
Bob was a man of strong faith. He enjoyed telling stories and sharing jokes, meeting new people, visiting with neighbors, spending time with his grandkids, and managing farm operations.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Deedra.
He is survived by his wife Mary and his children: Christopher (Stephanie), Gregory (Nadene), and Jillyn (Mick) May. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Trent, Brooke (Dugan) Dieselberg, Tyler, Hannah, Isabella, Zack May, Allison (Andrew) Motyka, Braylin, Bryce; and one great-grandson, Simon Motyka. He is also survived by his siblings: Audrey (Ray) Keith, Roger (Lela) Thurow, and LuEllen (Ray) DeWall; and by long time friends and helpers on the farm; Kurt Tiles, Wayne Rezny, and Danny Leetts.
A celebration of life — Bob Thurow style — will be planned for later in the spring.
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