Robert J. Turgeon

Robert J. Turgeon, 87 of Lincoln, formerly of Topeka, passed away August 16, 2025. Bob was born on August 18, 1937 in Topeka, Kansas to Dr. Leo V. and Vera (Weber) Turgeon. He graduated from Topeka Catholic Hayden High School in 1955. He attended Creighton University for two years, playing basketball his freshman year and then returned to Topeka.

He married Linda Harris with whom he had five children that adored him. Bob was a car salesman and was general manager for several auto dealers. In 1996, he married the love of his life, Jean Simon and they made their home in Louisville, Nebraska before moving to Lincoln.

Bob's passion was basketball. In addition to selling cars, he was also assistant coach for girls basketball at Hayden High School, helping coach two State Championship teams. When his children were young, he started a youth basketball league, CCYBL with Phil Reilly. First starting a boys league and then adding a girls league. This changed basketball in Topeka. Prior to this league, Topeka had two state basketball championships. After starting the league, Topeka had 18 boys and 22 girls state championship teams.

Bob enjoyed basketball, golf, fishing, music, making people laugh, and showing cars, including his Thunderbird which won a national award. He had a passion for his Catholic faith, he was a devoted member of St Joseph Catholic Church where he served as an acolyte for 17 years. His gift was that he was kind and made people of all ages feel special, worthy, and confident in themselves.

Bob is survived by his wife Jean and children: Jim (Tracey) Turgeon; Tami (Guy) Zobel; Mark (Ann) Turgeon; Cindi (Rob) Smith; Jennifer (Shawn) Finley; Doug (Nicole) Simon; Dan (Alba) Simon; Jim (Stacy) Simon and Jon (Mindy) Simon; 33 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, son Dave Simon and siblings LaVern, Doris, Leo and Vera Lee.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, August 29, 2025 at St Joseph Catholic Church, 1940 South 77th St, Lincoln.

Visitation will be from 10 am to 10:30 am at the church.

Services will continue on Friday in Topeka, Kansas at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka, KS with a Visitation at 5:30 pm, Rosary at 6:00 pm and a Celebration of Life at 6:15 pm, all at the funeral home.

Burial will be at 10:00 am Saturday, August 30 at Mount Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pink Sisters or UsAgainstAlzheimers.