Robert William “Bob” Turek, age 81, of Ursa, died on Friday, March 23, 2012 at 12:45 AM in Blessing Hospital. He was born on July 9, 1930 in Cranford NJ the son of Joseph John and Margaret (Kendrick) Turek. He graduated high school in North Vernon, IN and attended Indiana University in 1949 and 1950. Bob served two years in the US Army as Leadership Instructor at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO from February 1952 until February 1954 through the Korean War. Bob first married Barbara Albers. Bob later married Mary Lovelace in April 2003 and she survives.

Bob was employed by WGEM radio and television in February 1954, retiring on December 31, 1999. For all but the first year was the morning newsman on radio and first reporter to do the local news report on the Today Show. He spent many years hosting the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon then also helped with the Local Arthritis Telethon. Bob was a member and past president of the Quincy Jaycees and was also a member of the Exhausted Roosters (old Jaycees). He was also one of the original members and past presidents of the Quincy Society of Model Engineers. Bob also served as a Deputy Coroner for six years.

Bob’s first love was his family. He also loved to run model trains or ride in real ones. He loved gardening and cooking and especially his cat ‘Cinnamon’.

In addition to his wife Mary, Bob is also survived by:
FOUR DAUGHTERS: Jill Ellyn Turek of Naperville, IL; Dr. Jennifer Anne (Dane) Rasmussen of Cedar Valley, IA: Julie Kay Turek and Tamera (Gordon) Fountain of Quincy
FIVE GRANDDAUGHTERS: Alayna Rasmussen, Cayla Rasmussen; Niikira, Chaka, and Tamera Fountain of Quincy
THREE GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN: Rezza, Jaya and Jo Jo.
Other relatives and friends also survive.

He was preceded in death by both parents, and a brother William Robert Turek.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at 6:30 in the Good Samaritan Home Weekirk Chapel. Visitation will be held at the Good Samaritan Home from 3:00 until the time of the services at 6:30. Memorials may be made to the Quincy Society of Model Engineers or to the Good Samaritan Home. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.