Fred-Thurston-Obituary

Fred "Fuzzy" Thurston

1933 - 2014

Obituaries

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Former Packers guard Fuzzy Thurston, a member of the great Green Bay teams of the 1960s, has died. He was 80.

The team confirmed Sunday that Thurston died after several years of health issues.

Born Fred Thurston, he was best known for his blocking on the Packers' famed power sweep. He helped Green Bay win five NFL championships. He also won a title with Baltimore in 1958.

Despite weighing less than 250 pounds, Thurston was a powerful force for the Packers, playing in 112 games. He retired in 1967 and was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 1975.

"The Packers family was saddened today to learn of the passing of Fuzzy Thurston," said Packers President/CEO Mark Murphy. "Fuzzy was an endearing figure for Packers fans for more than 50 years, going back to his all-pro playing days and continuing through his rousing welcomes at Lambeau Field as a favorite alum. Our sincere condolences go out to Fuzzy's family."

A Wisconsin native who played basketball in high school because his school didn't have a football team, Thurston then went to Valparaiso. He didn't join the football team until his junior year, yet was drafted in the fifth round by Philadelphia in 1956.

After a stint in the armed forces, he tried to make the Eagles and Bears, but failed before joining the Colts for the final four regular-season games of 1958.

Green Bay acquired Thurston the next year in a trade for linebacker Marv Matuszak.


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Guest Book

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I am so sorry about uncle Fuzzy, I did not no, My Heart Goes out to all of my family for there loss. I only seen Uncle Fuzzy a few times. He was my Grandpa's brother ( James R. Thurston ). Leslie K. Thurston

My father was a friend and business associate of Fuzzy's and when I was 12 /13, I babysat for Griff and Mark when they lived in the house in Greentree Estates. I loved Sue and Fuzzy and spending time with them - Fuzzy would say to the boys "What do you want to be when you grow up?" He had trained them to shout out in unison "Chicago Bears!" It was so cute and he'd just laugh that huge laugh of his. What a guy - he'll be sorely missed by so many with wonderful memories...

I WILL REMEMBER

JERRY BOKINA

Fuzzy was a member. Of the Brooke army medical center football team in 1958 he was a strong. Fast guard and led interference. For me and others During. Our football season. I. Lost trac of fuzzy and iam so sorry to hear of his passing. A great guy

I am sorry for your loss. Please find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will help you in your time of need. At 1 Pet. 5:7, He invites you to "throw all your anxiety upon Him." Continue to rely on Him for strength during this difficult time.

Thanks for all the laughs and warm smiles and hugs. I met first met Fuzzy at Shennanigan's and he was a charmer. I cherish the pic I have of my sister and I with Fuzzy's arms around us smiling and Flashing his rings! He was always warm, welcoming and so generous with his time for any Packer Fan.
My Deepest Sympathys to all members of his Family- The Packer nation was Blessed to have known him.

Fuzzy and Big cheese

Fuzzy and I watching a Packer game at a friends house in Kewaskum area. What a great guy. RIP Fuzzy