Howard R. Turk
Howard’s story began January 4, 1933. He was born to Harold and Wilma Turk (Powers) in Milwaukee. Howard married Jeanette Verna King, October 13, 1951, in the Norfolk Naval Air Station Chapel in Norfolk, VA. They would have celebrated 71 years of marriage this year.
Howard was involved in the banking industry with Jeanette. They met while working at the Bank of Madison in Madison. After Howard’s four years in the U.S. Navy in Norfolk, VA, he attended UW – Madison and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Howard and Jeanette moved to Blair in 1963, and managed the Union Bank of Blair until their retirement in 1996.
Howard was very active in the banking industry and the Blair community. His passion as a banker was to help the Blair community to prosper. Howard was also active in Wisconsin state banking serving on numerous boards such as the Wisconsin Bankers Association and Community Bankers of Wisconsin. Howard was also an active member of the local Masonic Lodge, Lion’s Club and Chamber of Commerce.
Howard is survived by his children: Rod Turk (Lisa) of Burke, VA, Kathy (Daryle) Smith of Scurry, TX and Russ (Linnie) Turk of Fort Atkinson. He is further survived by seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren: Kyle (Colby) Smith – Kyler, Kynlee and Colbyn; Andrew (Thais) Turk – Cecilia and Benjamin; Jonathan (Katherine) Turk; Kody (Brittani) Smith – Austin and Keston; Aaron (Noel) Turk – baby girl expected August 8, 2022; Elijah (Hannah) Turk – Ashlyn and James Elias and Chelsey (Morgan) LeBaron.
In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette; his brother, Arnold; his sister, Betty (Turk) Weaver and his daughter-in-law, Patricia (Rod) Stevens Turk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (alzwisc.org) or to Grand View Care Center (grandviewhome.org).
Memorial services will be held Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Blair Lutheran Church West in Blair. Pastor Paul Sannerud will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by Knudtson-Mattison American Legion Post #231. Private family burial will be in the Boscobel Cemetery in Boscobel.
Visitation will be Friday, August 19, 2022, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Jack Funeral Home in Blair where a Masonic service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
