Photo courtesy of Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel - Portage
May 12, 1939 - Aug 14, 2025
To the family of Richard Turek, our deepest sympathies and the loss of your father, who was a wonderful man full of life and lots of fun. We are his travel group the sea walkers from Northwest Indiana. We enjoyed many many trips with your parents. May they both rest in peace Love and prayers the sea walkers cynthia pandoff travel consultant.
Cynthia Pandoff
August 16, 2025 | Crown Point, IN | Friend
Rich was a contributing citizen, business person of Northwest Indiana. A gentleman with a good sense of humor A great husband and father. God bless dear Rich. Don and Dorothy
Kurtz Family
August 16, 2025 | Ogden Dunes, IN | Friend
Richard Michael Turnak, a longtime Portage resident, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis. He was born on May 12, 1939, in Gary, IN to the late Michael and Mary Turnak. He graduated from Lew Wallace High School where he lettered in football. Richard attended Indiana University in Bloomington and studied Business. On August 20, 1960, he married the love of his life, Andrea Steffus at St. Joseph the Worker in Gary. He proudly served in the United States Army where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. Richard was co-owner of Turnak Roofing & Co. and a dedicated member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Parish, where he served as the Building Committee President for the Parish Church. He was very Civically minded and served for over thirty years as a member of the Portage School Board, Park Board, and City Council, as well as a volunteer with the Portage Jaycees, and the Portage Historical Society. A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, he will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his son, Dr. Mark (Leanne) Turnak of Hingham, MA; daughter, Dr. Danielle (Joe Gangstad) Turnak of Indianapolis, IN; grandchildren, Julia Turnak, Luke Turnak, Caroline Turnak, Andrew Gangstad, and Katrina Gangstad; brother, John (Linda) Turnak; four nieces and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Andrea Turnak; his parents, Michael and Mary Turnak; and brother, George Turnak.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Richard's name may be made to the American Lung Association, 115 W. Washington St. Suite 1180-South Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 am Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage with visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors. For more information, please call Rees Olson Chapel at 219-762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.
Read More
