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Jennifer Louise Thurston, 74, of Fort Dodge (formerly Gowrie) passed away on Tuesday October 13, 2026, at her daughter's home in Fort Dodge surrounded by her family.
Services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the Gunderson Funeral Chapel. Burial will be in the Otho Cemetery next to her husband Kenneth. A time of gathering of family and friends will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday at the Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Fort Dodge.
Jennifer is survived by her three children; Michelle Thurston of Texas, Dawn (Tom) Taylor of Fort Dodge, and Randy Thurston of Boxholm; nine grandchildren, Teryn (Christopher), Kendal, Tyler, Matti (Jacob), Sydney, Gage, Shayla, Peyton, and Zola. Special family friend Angie Wadsworth. Her three brothers, Marc Sampson of Waukee, Greg (Julie) Sampson of Fort Dodge, and Mike (Rafael) Sampson of Florida. Her aunt Barb Ertl of Fort Dodge, and sisters-in-law, Julia Labaume and Fran Staffer. She is also survived by her best friend Deb Crouse. Jennifer is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Steve and her husband Kenneth in 2019.
Jennifer Louise Sampson, the daughter of Donald and Rosemary (Berry) Sampson, was born on November 24, 1951, in Fort Dodge and graduated from St. Edmond's High School in 1971. In April of 1973, Jennifer was united in marriage to Kenneth Thurston. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Fort Dodge before eventually settling in Gowrie. Jennifer worked in the housekeeping industry and loved to spend time with her grandchildren, especially shopping trips. She enjoyed bird watching and helping her daughter with her daycare kids, where she was known as "Grandma" to many. Jennifer would help anyone in need and could make a friend anywhere she went.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.