Kenneth “Bill” W. Thurston, 84, of Sparta, died Saturday, February 25, 2006 at his home. He was born on  September 1, 1921 in Sparta, WI to Earl W. and Hazel (Hutson) Thurston. He grew up in the Sparta area and graduated from Sparta High School. He worked as a butcher for over 60 years and co-owned Foss Locker Plant for over 40 years.

     He married Ardell Berry on October 11, 1941. She passed away in March 1961. He then married Alice Nichols on October 3, 1964. She passed away on February 22, 1991.

     Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was also a civil war enthusiast.

     He is survived by his children, Joanne Crocker, Kathy (Ron) Sanders, Tom (Mary) Thurston, Linda (Eldie) Erickson all of Sparta, Jeff (Marsha) Thurston of West Salem, and Terry (Chad) Skinner of Crystal Falls, MI; a step son, Damien Nichols of Marinette, WI; 18 grandchildren, Mike Crocker, Jerry (Lori) Crocker, Greg (Kathy) Crocker, Bill (Shelley) Crocker, Randy (Rhonda) Culpitt, Rob (Cindy) Culpitt, Russell (Melissa) Culpitt, David (Theresa) Thurston, Andy (Renee) Thurston, Brian (Sue) Erickson, Wendy (Dan) Swanson, Mark (Tara) Erickson, Jaime Thurston, Melanie Thurston, Bradley (Kristen) Johnson, Robert (Michelle) Johnson, Amy Jo Johnson, and Carol Skinner; 34 great grandchildren, Cody, Tanya, Dustin, Devon, Dillion, John, Ben, Gregory, KaLee, Derek, Jenna, Megan, Matt, Aeriana, Tanner, Nate, Coby, Morgan, Mara, Darrick, Kelsey, Trevor, Heather, Ashley, Haley, Hillary, Leah, Jacob, Marlee, Addisen, Gavin, Alexis, Mackenzie, and Zachary; 2 great great grandchildren, Sean and Hadley; a brother, Phillip Thurston of Sparta; and many nieces, nephews, and many friends.

     He was also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Phyllis Lundy and 2 infant grandchildren.

     Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Sparta, with Reverend David Carlson officiating. Burial will be in Mt Hope Cemetery, Sparta.

     Family and friends may call at the Lanham-Miller Funeral Home, Sparta, on Tuesday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 9 a.m. until time of services.