John Turausky

John was born in Chicago, IL on September 18th, 1939, son of the late John P. Turausky and Anne E. (Seibert) Turausky. John graduated from DePaul University Academy High School in 1957. He then attended De Paul University and then began working for the Chicago Park District as a Physical Education Instructor for seven years and one year as the park supervisor.

August 30th, 1963, he married the love of his life, the late Jacqueline (Hurley) Turausky, who he shared his life with for 51 years.

John then moved his family to Northbrook IL, to become the Director of Recreation. While director he established the youth soccer program which recently celebrated its 50th year. The facilities he managed were also the training facilities for the Chicago Black Hawks and the Chicago Sting professional Soccer team. While in Illinois, John also was Parks Director for Park Ridge, and Salt Creek Rural Districts.

In 1982, John began his career in Marquette as Director of Parks and Recreation, which he proudly served until May 1998. During his tenure as director, he oversaw the Shiras pool renovation, South Beach area development, Lakeview Arena Expansion, the addition of the Fit Strip at Park Cemetery. He managed the maintenance, use and improvements of the 612 acres of park land for the city. His pride and joy was his dedication to developing the property that is now called Elwood Mattson Park and Cinder Pond Marina. He wrote the grants, headed the planning committee, and led the development of the park and marina.

John was a member of the Marquette Rotary Club. He served on the Michigan Recreation and Park Association Board. He served on the Great Lakes Training Board, The Marquette Chamber of Commerce, Marquette Beautification Committee, Restoration Committee. He was a member of the Fish Producers Association, and Elks club member. John and his wife were avid bridge players and were members of the Superiorland Bridge Club. On many mornings John fished the mouth of the carp river with his hand tied flies.

Upon retirement he and his wife wintered in Tucson, Arizona golfing and enjoying the weather, which he was happy to report during his weekly calls to family and friends.

John is survived by his children, Steven B. (Cheryl) Turausky, Marquette, Andrea J. (Blane Stengle) Gordon, Santa Fe NM,; grandchildren, Philip Turausky, Faith Turausky (Gabriel Hintz), Victoria Turausky all of Marquette, Colin Gordon, NM, Jennifer Gordon (Zachary Hollendonner) , MS, Dana Gordon, NM; brothers, Andrew Turausky (Dianne), AZ, Kenneth Turausky, TX; also several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother and his beloved Jacqueline.

A graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 9th at 10:00 am at the Park Cemetery in Marquette with Rev. Gregory Heikkala officiating. The service will be livestreamed at: https://my. gather.app/remember/joh n-turausky.

Thoughtful donations may be made to UP Hospice Foundation, uphomehealth.org, in John’s remembrance.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services, where memories of John may be shared at canalefuneral.com.