Jennifer Thurow

Jennifer F. Thurow, 74, Bismarck, formerly of Minot, passed away on Friday, March 7, 2025, at home with her family and her faithful Maltese, Oscar, by her side.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, April 18, 2025, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy, Bismarck. Burial will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery, Harvey, ND.

Jennifer was born October 9, 1950, in Harvey to Ben and Mina (Fallon) Kopseng. She was the second oldest of three sisters. After graduating from Harvey High School in 1968, she went on to graduate with a degree in Elementary Education from Minot State College in 1974. She taught elementary education in McClusky and Harvey school districts.

On October 15, 1976, she married Craig Thurow at First Lutheran Church in Harvey, ND. Together they raised three children, Christopher, Jordan and Jenna. Jennifer was very involved in all her children’s activities and school events while continuing to teach elementary education; retiring in 1985. Because of her husband’s job transfers they relocated many times before settling in Minot, ND in 1993. In 1997, Jennifer began her career with Trinity Health; retiring in 2014.

Her five grandchildren brought such joy and happiness to her life. She enjoyed sharing lessons in baking, cooking, crafting and shopping. She rarely missed their sporting events and school programs.

Following retirement, Craig and Jennifer relocated to Bismarck to be closer to their family. They enjoyed summer and fall road trips in their Corvette and met many new friends through their involvement with Corvettes of Dakota Territory. She was a member of Good Shepard Lutheran Church, Bismarck Elks, and the Bismarck Mandan Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary.

Jennifer is survived by Craig, her husband of 48 years; children, Christopher (Shelly) Thurow, Mandan, ND, Jordan (Lindsey) Thurow, Boise, ID, and Jenna (Joseph) Juntunen, Hazen, ND; grandchildren, Taylor Juntunen, Max Juntunen, Bergen Juntunen, Charli Thurow, and Colton Thurow; sister, Kathleen Mitzel, Bismarck, ND; brother-in-law, Russell (Mary Ellen) Thurow, Rosedale, IN; nephews, Matthew, Tyler (Brittany) and Andrew (Megan) Mitzel, Scott Hagel, Patrick (Adriana) Hagel, Mark Thurow; and nieces, Jaclynn Hagel and Cassie (Kevin) Turner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Mina Kopseng; father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Elenora Thurow; sister, Johnell Hagel; and brother-in-law, Blair Mitzel.

God Bless the soul and memory of Jennifer, an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Memorials may be sent to the Bismarck Mandan Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary, 5932 Crested Butte Road Bismarck, ND 58503.