David J. Thurner, Menasha, age 61, died unexpectedly Sunday August 19, 2012 at St. Elizabeth Hospital. He was born April 15, 1951 to the late Lawrence and Lucille Vanden Boogart. David was then adopted by Nicholas and Gladys (Romenesko) Thurner. He attended Oshkosh School for the Deaf and Kaukauna High School, graduating in 1970. Through his attendance at Friday night dances at the V.F.W, David was later reunited with his birth family. David married Deborah Graves on April 16, 1988. He loved the holidays and enjoyed decorating for them. He also enjoyed parties and weddings and loved to polka.

David is survived by his wife of 24 years, Deborah; sisters: Lila Thurner, Carol (Richard) Nelson, Barbara (Andy) Zielinski, Judith Saubel and Alice (John) Gerhardt; step-brother Orile (Christine) Milton; step-sister Dorothy (Harry) Van Lith; father and mother-in-law Donald and Rebecca Graves; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Sandra (Fred) Stecker and Michael (Sandra) Graves. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

David was preceded in death by his birth parents: Lawrence and Lucille Vanden Boogart; adoptive parents: Nicholas and Gladys Thurner; step-mother: Harriet Thurner; brother: David Vanden Boogart; and brother-in-law: Timothy Graves.

Visitation will be held Thursday August 23, 2012 at Christian Life Center (670 N. Green Bay Road Neenah) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of funeral at 5:00 p.m. with Pastor Phil Bridges officiating. A memorial is being established.

David was a kind and giving man. His final gift was through the act of eye and tissue donation.