Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1939
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Richard Turnak Obituary
May 13, 1939 - Aug 14, 2025
Richard Michael Turnak, a longtime Portage resident, passed away Thursday, August 14, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was born on May 12, 1939, in Gary, Indiana, and graduated from Lew Wallace High School. Richard attended Indiana University in Bloomington. On August 20, 1960, he married the love of his life, Andrea Steffus. He served in the United States Army and was co-owner of Turnak Roofing & Co. Richard was a member of the Portage School Board, Park Board, and City Council. 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, Mass.; daughter, Dr. Danielle (Joe Gangstad) Turnak of Indianapolis, Ind.; 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.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, with visitation from 9 a.m. to the time of the 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Turnak
Sponsored by The Times.
3 Entries
Ron Ziulkowski
August 22, 2025
As I think back of the days that the Portage Fire Department set out to form a State recognized Fire Merit Board, Rich was always involved and fair. He would have a difficult job of getting information form members of the department, reading of State rules and regulations, and common sense to help form this important board, Portage Fire Department Fire Merit Board. He was a caring person and worked in the City of Portage running his business, and so I respected him and his values as a hard working, committed man. He will be missed, I wanted to express my condolences to his family, I was raised down the street from Mr. Turnak and his wife, they were always kind and respectful people.
Cynthia Pandoff
August 16, 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.
Kurtz Family
August 16, 2025
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
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Turnak's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Turnak
Aug
19
Funeral services provided by:
Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel - Portage5341 Central Ave., Portage, IN 46368
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Turnak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
