Gary Thune 1942-2019 Monday, December 2, 2019
Longtime Bismarck attorney Gary R. Thune died Dec. 1. A UND School of Law graduate, he was admitted to the N.D. bar in 1974. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo.
Gary was born on May 18, 1942 in Williston, ND to Lawrence and Merle Thune. He married Betty Kanwischer of Harvey, ND on August 7, 1966. He received his Bachelor’s degree in education from Minot State University and a law degree from the University of North Dakota.
He worked as a teacher and assistant principal before practicing law in Grand Forks, ND. He became the attorney for the North Dakota School Board Association, which led to moving his family to Bismarck in 1986.
Gary served as president of the National Council of School attorneys (COSA) and received the COSA Lifetime Achievement award in April 2013. He retired from Pearce & Durick Law Firm in December 2014. Once diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia Gary and Betty moved to Fargo, ND to be closer to family.
Gary was an active member of the community, volunteering many hours to church and several civic boards. He was an exceptional public speaker and enjoyed the many opportunities to share his expertise in school law.
Gary was a dedicated attorney who thoroughly enjoyed his profession, yet always made time for his family. He was an incredible husband, father and grandpa. He always made his family a priority, never missing an activity in which they were involved.
An avid golfer, living on the golf course at Apple Creek satisfied his love of golf and family. Playing in the annual Big Apple tournament and any special occasion that had his family all together at “the resort” brought him great joy.
He will be remembered for his honesty, integrity, extraordinary generosity, quick wit and his gift with words. Many will miss his annual Christmas forced rhyme.
Gary is survived by: His wife of 53 years, Betty of Fargo, ND; Children, Chris (Karla) Thune of London, UK; Jill (Scott) George of Sartell, MN; Heidi (Eric) Wieland of Fargo, ND; Sister, Lois (Earl) Rennerfeldt of Williston, ND; Brother, John (Vicki) of Albany, OR; 10 grandchildren; nieces and nephews and many beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Merle and Lawrence; grandson, Chance Thune; father-in-law, Norman Kanwischer; mother-in-law, Mavis Kanwischer and brother-in-law, Norm Kanwischer.
A prayer service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. at the Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. During this service there will be a time where family and friends are welcome to share stories or memories of Gary.
The family would like to thank the staff at Edgewood, Hospice of the RRV and especially Eventide for the loving care they provided.
Funeral Home Link: http://boulgerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/gary-r-thune/