Joel Richard Thurlow

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joel Richard Thurlow, age 84, of Fargo, ND, who peacefully passed away on March 13, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Joel was born on May 17, 1940, in Fargo, ND, to Lizell (Bragg) Thurlow and Richard (Dick) Thurlow. He graduated from Fargo High School in 1958 and went on to attend Dakota Business College.

On September 15, 1961, Joel married the love of his life, Phyllis (Ferrie) Thurlow of Bagley, MN.

Together, they built a life filled with adventure, love, and cherished memories. Joel proudly served in the United States Army at Warner Barracks in Bamberg, Germany. While stationed in Europe, he and Phyllis embraced their adventurous spirit, traveling in their Volkswagen and exploring the continent.

For 46 years, Joel worked at Thurlow Welding and Machine in West Fargo, eventually retiring as its owner in 2011.

A Master Marksman, Joel had a passion for gunsmithing, hunting with family and friends, and fishing at Lake of the Woods. He was a Lifetime Member of the NRA and an active member of the Elks Club, American Legion, and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Joel’s favorite places held deep significance in his life. He cherished the small cottage at Pelican Lake, MN, built by his parents when he was just 10 years old. He found joy in the rugged beauty of the North Dakota Badlands, where he hunted and formed lifelong friendships. His love for fishing and boating often took him to Lake of the Woods, MN, and he eagerly anticipated annual hunting trips to Bagley, MN, where he spent time with the Ferrie family and local friends.

Among his greatest joys was traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, a place close to his heart, where he and Phyllis formed lasting friendships and reunited with dear friends year after year.

Joel will be remembered for his deep love of outdoors, his unwavering devotion to his family, and the meaningful connections he built throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Phyllis Thurlow, of Fargo; his daughter Tracy (Thurlow) Lebo; and his grandsons Jake Lebo and Josh Lebo, of Algonquin, Ilinois.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Lizell Thurlow, his sister Rosemary, and his brother Harry.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: 11 AM Friday, March 21, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church in Fargo – with a visitation one hour prior
BURIAL: Fargo National Cemetery near Harwood, ND

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center in Fargo. To sign the online guest book, or to view a livestream of the funeral service, please visit our website at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com