The Reverend Douglas Carl Thunder died March 19th, 2024, after an extended illness. He passed peacefully in the morning after enjoying his favorite Basque meal the previous night with family and friends.
Born November 16th, 1938, in Marshall, Michigan, Doug was the middle child of Carl Thunder and Aletha Mae (Beedon) Thunder. He graduated from Marshall High School and attended the University of Michigan for two years, where he developed lifelong loyalty to the Michigan Wolverines. He then transferred to Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN, for the final two years of his bachelor’s degree, majoring in Classics.
While studying for his Master of Divinity degree at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, he met a nursing student named Patricia Weber, who would become his wife of nearly 60 years. After congregational calls that took them to multiple locations in California, the couple eventually ended up in Carson City, where they happily lived the rest of their years together.
Pastor Thunder led congregations at both Bethlehem Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Family during his years in Carson City. His career path also led him outside the church, where he survived both the bombing of Harvey’s Resort Hotel and multiple legislative sessions while working as Deputy Superintendent of Financial Services for the Nevada Department of Education. He was very proud of the countless people he was able to help during his lifetime.
Doug had a deep love of music, including choir and band, to which he devoted much of his free time. A voracious reader, he enjoyed nonfiction books and remained well-versed on the issues and news of the world until his final days.
Doug was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always ready with a hug, a smile, and words of encouragement. His deepest joys were found in the company of his beloved wife, Pat, and in witnessing the growth and happiness of his three sons and their families, treasuring each moment he spent with them.
With his expansive knowledge, dry wit, and fondness for groan-worthy puns, Doug was always fascinating to engage with. His warmth, kindness, and sincerity will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Thunder; his sister, Keturah
Thunder-Haab; and his niece Cheryl Knorr. He is survived by his wife, Pat; his three sons (Scott, Kenneth, and Timothy) and their partners; and his eight grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on April 13th, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Family, 1201 N Saliman Rd, Carson City. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or World Central Kitchen.