Clarence Turnis

CLARENCE "CHUCK" TURNIS

Elkhart Lake, Wis.

Clarence "Chuck" Turnis, 79, passed away Monday morning, Oct. 19, 2015, at Rocky Knoll Health Care facility, where he had been a resident for the past eight months.

He was born on the family farm near Sand Springs, Iowa, on July 30, 1936, son of the late George and Eva (Kramer) Turnis. He graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Monticello in 1954. He later attended St. Louis University in Missouri. He married Betty Husak in Iowa. Chuck graduated from the Realtor's Institute and took courses for Buyer's Agency.

On Jan. 1, 1983, he married Cheryl Smith-Lakits. The couple resided in Elkhart Lake after their marriage.

Chuck was employed at Century Engineering in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and worked at Gibson Brothers (Toro) for several years. He also was associate vice president of Shorewest Realtors, retiring after 25 years.

He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart Lake, where he served as a lector in the church and on the Parish Council.

Chuck belonged to the Elkhart Lake Men's Club, where he served as past president, and also was past president of the Elkhart Lake Chamber of Commerce.

He golfed in many men's leagues at Quit Qui Oc Golf Course. Chuck enjoyed fishing, playing golf every chance he got, and loved flying. He was a private pilot in his early years and loved to go to EAA in Oshkosh, Wis.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl of Elkhart Lake; two daughters, Debbie (Scott) Williamson of Cedar Rapids and Nancy (Bob) Armstrong of Mount Vernon; two sons, Ron (Peggy) Turnis of Cedar Rapids and Erick Lakits (special friend, Kelsey Evelyn Fuller) of Crystal Lake, Wis.; six grandchildren, Kenny, Ashley, Amy, Melissa, Ally and Kayla; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Georgene (Bud) McGovern of Epworth; two sisters-in-law, Marcella Turnis of Monticello and Rosie Heims-Turnis of Cedar Rapids; and beloved canine companions, Kenzie and Keeley.

Chuck also is survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Bob, Arnold, John and Adrian; an infant sister, Mary; mother- and father-in-law, Virginia and Howard Smith; and three sisters-in-law, Betty, Mary Ann and Mary Lou Turnis.

Memorial Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elkhart Lake. Father Dan Volkert, pastor of the church, will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Friends may call at the church from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Chuck's name.

The family would like to send special thanks to the entire staff at Rocky Knoll Health Care facility, as well as the entire staff at Sharon S. Richardson Hospice for all the care and compassion given to Chuck.