Robert C. Turk

Robert C. "Bob" Turk, 81, of LaPorte Indiana, passed away Friday, Feb. 20, at Golden Living Center-LaPorte. Bob was born Sept. 29, 1927 to Carleton K. and Gladys (Andrews) Turk in South Bend, Ind.

He grew up in South Bend and graduated from Riley H.S. in 1945. He was a member of the varsity basketball team, which played in the State Finals that year. He graduated from Northwestern U. in Evanston, Ill., in 1949 with a degree in business administration.

On June 17, 1950, Bob married Eleanor E. (Ellie) Smith, who survives.

He was employed in management in his family canvas company in South Bend, and subsequently worked in management for several corporations, including Clark Equipment, Sullair Corp., and Amhoist. Bob was an accomplished pilot, a life-long competitive sailor, and loved water sports -- especially on his beloved Torch Lake in Michigan. In later years, he enjoyed his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and all of their activities.

In addition to his wife, Ellie, Bob is survived by his brother, Richard D. (Patsy) Turk of Bellaire, Mich.; daughters Susan (Paul) Warnke of Koontz Lake, Ind., and Nancy Aaron of LaPorte; sons Dr. Richard Turk of Valparaiso, Ind, Dr. Charles Turk of Chicago Ill., Dr. James (Teri) Turk of Valparaiso, and Dr. Peter (Julie) Turk of Charlotte, N.C. He is also survived by grandchildren Katie, Beth, Emily, Alyssa, Lindsey, Matthew, Benjamin, and Preston Turk; Adam, Aaron, and Andrew Warnke; Joshua and Jonathan Aaron; Jesse Moore; and great-grandchildren, Anna and Grace Warnke.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barbara Turk Gassensmith.

Bob shared the love of many friends who, along with his family, will miss him deeply. Visitation will be Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2009 at Essling Funeral Home, 1117 Indiana Ave., LaPorte, from 4 to 7 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Feb.25, 2009 at the funeral home at 10 a.m., with visitation continuing from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Rev. Larry D. Owen will be officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of choice.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Feb. 22, 2009.

08/16/2023 EJS

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