Mark Joseph Turkowski's Obituary
RACINE – Mark Joseph Turkowski, 50, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 6, 2014 after a courageous two year battle with oral cancer, surrounded by his loving family. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Henry.
Mark was born in Racine, Wisconsin on September 29, 1964 to Henry Casimir Turkowski and Marceline Joan (Tobin) Turkowski.
Mark graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1982 and went on to earn a Media Communications degree from UW-Whitewater in 1986. Mark was a passionate salesman and business owner while living in Superior, Wisconsin.
Mark loved sports; he enjoyed playing them as well as being a spectator. Mark played four years of football at St. Catherine’s High School and four years at UW-Whitewater. Mark was a lifelong Green Bay Packer supporter, including season ticket holder. He took his three sons to Lambeau Field on numerous occasions. Mark was also a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers and UW-Whitewater Warhawks. He played on many softball teams in Racine and Superior. Mark was also a fishing enthusiast. Some of the best times of his life were spent fishing on Lake Michigan and entering fishing contests with Steve, Mike, Kevin and Timmy. He also enjoyed hosting “The Turk Annual Fish Fry.” He loved to watch movies and he could quote lines from his favorites; Stripes, Animal House, Bad News Bears and Charlie Brown specials. He had a quick wit and unique sense of humor. Mark was a great cook and his sons have special memories of his signature dishes.
Mark is survived by his sons; Jacob, Victor and Kyle Turkowski, of Superior, Wisconsin and their mother, Carolyn Turkowski, of Superior, Wisconsin, brothers and sisters; Kris (Joe) Patrenets, Hank (Diane) Turkowski, John Turkowski (Rose),of Milton, Wisconsin, Steve (Cheryl) Turkowski, Kathy McCord of Neenah, Wisconsin, Jim Turkowski, Tom Turkowski of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Mike Turkowski, Marya Turkowski (Russ), and Linda (Derek) Morehart of Milton, Wisconsin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews,cousins and also by special niece, Caitlin Turkowski and special nephew, Noah Turkowski.
Services for Mark will be held on Monday, November 10, 2014 at Wilson Funeral Home. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, followed by a funeral service at 7:00 pm, Deacon Russ Missurelli officiating.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Price and Pearl at Mayo Clinic, also Dr. Glickstein of Duluth Essentia Health, Dr. Rayani, Sara, Liz, Miranda, Ann and Pam of Wheaton Franciscan.
Mark wishes to thank primary caregivers; Marya Turkowski, Caitlin Turkowski ,of Janesville, Wisconsin and Linda Turkowski, of Janesville, Wisconsin, and Brad and Jodi Miller of Rochester, Minnesota.
Memorials have been suggested to the American Cancer Society.
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