Joseph J. "Joe" Turicik

1926 - 2015

Turicik, Joseph J.

Joesph J. Turicik, age 88 of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6 2015 at Rocky Knoll Health Care Center where he had been a patient for the past few weeks. He was born on March 9, 1926 in Phillips, WI, the son of Joseph and Anna Turicik.

Joe proudly served in the US Army during WWII in the Pacific Region rising to the Rank of Staff Sergeant. He fought on several Islands and was part of the Occupational Forces immediately after Japan surrendered. Following an honorable discharge, he moved to Milwaukee and used his GI Bill to learn the meat cutting trade.

He married Anna Marie Nipp on August 27th, 1949 in Milwaukee. They had four children, Patricia (Patrick), Bob (Jeannie), Tom (Pam), and Lori. Joe continued his career in the food industry, becoming Store Manager, with responsibility extending to several locations. In 1971, Joe was able to achieve his dream of being a store owner when he purchased his first Sentry Food Store in Milwaukee. In October of 1972 Anna Marie passed away unexpectedly, following surgery.

On April 25th, 1974, Joe married Zita Zur in Greenfield, WI, and added another four children to his family. Bryan Zur, David Zur (Kathy), Lisa Burck (Chris), and Randy Zur (Kimberley). Within a few years Joe and Zita were blessed with two additional Sons, Mike Turicik (Sarah), and Jason Turicik (Jessica), creating a "yours, mine, and ours" family of 10 children.

In 1981 Joe purchased the Sentry Store in Plymouth, WI and moved the family to the Plymouth Community. Together with his sons Tom and Bob, they operated in the downtown location until 1991 at which time they built a new store on the east side of Plymouth, which they operated until his retirement in 1998. Joe and family also offered a catering service, serving the community for two decades and catering many weddings, parties, funerals, and community events.

In November 2009, Joe proudly visited Washington DC on the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight with his Son Tom as guardian. Upon their return Zita and his family greeted them at the airport in Milwaukee. When asked about his experience, Joe said "That day was the BEST day of my life". Joe was interviewed on film during the trip, stating "I feel like a King". The interview was so sincere, and his pride so evident that the Honor Flight Staff chose to use it as part of their campaign. The piece had more than 1M hits on YouTube and he became the family movie star. He was invited often to share his Military experiences by giving speeches and interviews.

Joe was a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Plymouth American Legion Post # 243 and the Knights of Columbus # 1789. He was a former member of the Plymouth Rotary, and the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce.

Joe's lifelong passions included cooking for his family and catering, Wine making, gardening, coin collecting and Family Historian. He was an avid Packer and Brewers fan. He also made beer and enjoyed his Brandy Old Fashions. He had a wonderful sense of humor, his smile filled a room and his spirit was infectious.

Survivors include his children, Patricia Lawlor (Patrick), Bob Turicik (Jeannie), Tom Turicik (Pam), Lori Lance, Michael Turicik (Sarah), Jason Turicik (Jessica), Bryan Zur, David Zur (Kathy), Lisa Burke (Chris), and Randy Zur (Kimberley). Grandchildren, Dustin and Zach Turicik, Cassie Lawlor, Katie and Alex Turicik, Jacob, Emma, Isabella Eberhardy and Ian Turicik, David Burck, Collin and Spencer Zur, Wyatt Zur, Patrick Hughes, Maggie Stielow and Matthew Hughes. Great Grandchildren, Hunter Cook, Isabelle and Lucy Stielow. Brothers and Sisters: John, Tony, Mary, Helen, Marge and Pep and their spouses.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Anna Marie, and his wife Zita, his parents, and sisters Agnes and Ronnie, and his brothers Steve and Andy.

Prayer service will be held on Tuesday Evening (March 10) at 6:30 P.M. at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. Father Dan Volkert, pastor of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church will officiate. Entombment will be held at Wisconsin Memorial Park in Brookfield, WI.

Friends may call at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth from 3:30 P.M. on Tuesday until the time

of services. The Ladwig-Zinkgraf American Legion Post # 243 will conduct military rites at the

Suchon Funeral Home following the services on Tuesday.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Joe's name.

The Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the excellent care provided by Woodland Village (Deer Trace) staff at Rocky Knoll Health Care Facility during his final weeks of life.