Robert Turgeon

Robert J. Turgeon, 87 of Lincoln, formerly of Topeka, Kansas, passed away August 16, 2025. Bob was born on August 18, 1937, in Topeka 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 who 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 Catholic 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 celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 29, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 940 South 77th Street, Lincoln NE 68506, where visitation will be one hour prior. Services will continue on Friday, August 29, in Topeka, Kansas. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 6 p.m. when the rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. and a Celebration of Bob's Life will follow at 6:30 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Committal service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 30, at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Topeka, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Pink Sisters or UsAgainstAlzheimers, sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.