John Franklin Turke

His Legacy… John Franklin Turke, 88, passed away October 30, 2019.  He was born on August 2, 1931, in Lenox, Michigan to Leopold and Mary (Makowski) Turke. John married the love of his life, Helen (Howden) Turke, on March 12, 1950, in Ohio.  John lived a long, happy, good life. He spent winters in Florida, enjoying golfing and spending time with visiting family and friends. He had farming in his blood, planting large vegetable gardens every summer. Every day, you would find John in the garden with his dog, grilling and relaxing with a cocktail in the evenings. He liked being a dad and spending time with his kids. In the winters, he would build an ice-skating pond for the kids to enjoy. His fondest memories are the times spent on Triangle Lake in Howell, playing water games, and teaching the kids how to waterski. John will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

His Family… John will be missed by his wife, Helen Turke; his children, Paul W. (Laura Betzig) Turke, Jeanette (Steve) Pepple, Robert (Cindy) Turke, Cindy (John) Toth; 9 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Leopold and Mary Turke; siblings, Clara Urbin, Don (Donnie) Turke, and Nettie Sandel.

His Farewell… John’s family and friends will gather 4:00pm-8:00-pm, Monday, November 4, 2019 (Rosary 6:00pm) at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Hamburg Chapel. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00am (10am Gathering), Tuesday, November 5, 2019, St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Father Dan Kogut will serve as celebrant. Memorial contributions are suggested to The Livingston County Humane Society.  Please leave a message of comfort for John’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign his guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Franklin Turke, please visit our floral store.