Alvin Glen Thornton, Jr. , 88, of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Altru Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Alvin "Junior" Thornton was born on December 21, 1937, to Alvin and Pauline Thornton in Plummer, MN. On June 28, 1958, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Judy Meshefski. To complete their family, they had four children. He spent countless hours in the garage doing mechanical work for himself and others. If you ever had the privilege of working out in the garage with grandpa holding tools, you'd better watch out because his tools came flying, and you probably learned a few new words. He had a great sense of humor and if he teased you, you knew he loved you.

He loved to cook and you never went away hungry after visiting their house. They loved to travel, especially to their winter home in Arizona. Junior also loved camping with family and friends and singing around the campfire. He opened his arms to anyone and everyone, it didn't matter if you were blood or not.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 68 years, Judy; his daughters, Debbie (Russ) Mathues and Lisa (Randy) Keegan; a daughter-in-law, Lisa Thornton; his 9 grandchildren, Cody (Lisa), Cole (Felicia), Blake (Andrea), Dustin (Katie), Josh (Ashley), Wade (Taylor), Nick, Brittany (John), and Jake (Ariel); his 17 great-grandchildren, Zack Swarts, Ella Mathues, Ava Mathues, Evalyn Mathues, Jameson Mathues, Landyn Adams, Jadelyn Adams, Blakley Adams, Tyrese Vanderhoff, Jakoby Tanner, Brooks Thornton, Tucker Thornton, Jax Hesse, Gracie Hesse, Devyn Schmitt, Skylar Schmitt, and Peyton Schmitt.

Proceeding him in death are his two sons, Greg and Jeff; his parents, Alvin and Pauline; and his10 siblings.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in the Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation: One hour prior to the service in the funeral home on Wednesday.
Burial: Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND.