Charles R. Turk's Obituary
Charles Richardson Turk, age 82, passed away peacefully with his wife and son at his side on Sunday, May 9, 2021. He was born on February 10, 1939 to Henry C. and Teresa (Richardson) Turk in Evanston, Illinois before coming to Muskegon as an infant. Chuck was a graduate of Muskegon High School, after which he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy in the Mediterranean Fleet, serving as a Post Master on his ship after high scoring on the military’s GT Test. After returning from the Navy, Chuck was employed by the State of Michigan as a proud and ethical Game Warden for 35 years. He was an adjunct professor at Ferris State University, School of Criminal Justice for 25 years, before retiring at the age of 74. Chuck married his High School sweetheart, Carolyn Dawson at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on May 6, 1961. They enjoyed many happy years together. Chuck will be greatly missed. His favorite times were spent with family and friends, spending time in the woods and on the streams of Northern Michigan. SURVIVORS include his wife, Carolyn; son, Charles L. (Rochelle) Turk; grandson, Charles L. (Kaley) Turk II; sisters-in-laws, Helen Dawson Luther and Mary Dawson VanderWall. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Henry C. and Teresa Turk; mother and father-in-law, Harriet and F. Dale Dawson; and brother-in-law, Larry VanderWall. Due to current health restrictions, a private memorial service will take place “somewhere” along the Pere Marquette River in Lake County. The family would like to recognize the wonderful staff at Christian Care Nursing Center for the exceptional care they gave Chuck over his last illness. Memorial Contributions in Chuck’s name may be made to the Pere Marquette Water Shed Council @ P.O. Box 212 Baldwin, MI 49304. Fill free to sign the family’s online guestbook and share a memory at http://www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210.
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