Lawrence Eugene Turkow

Lawrence E. Turkow, 92, Gresham, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, June 5, 2024, at a care facility in Shawano.  

He was born June 3rd, 1932, to Wilbur and Viola Turkow in Appleton, WI. 

Lawrence grew up in Appleton and graduated from Appleton West in 1950. Shortly after high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he was honorably discharged in 1960. 

On May 21st, 1952, Lawrence married Joyce Marie Laux at St. Therese Catholic Church in Appleton. As they started their family, Lawrence worked as many as three jobs at a time before finally settling in at Appleton Neon & Sign, where he would work for the next 47 years. Joyce preceded him in death on January 20th, 1991. 

After retirement, Lawrence spent his time as a snowbird with winters in Arizona and summers on Big Lake, which he commonly referred to as "God's Country". He was a dedicated, hardworking handyman and always willing to lend a hand to help family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed listening to Polka music, giving pontoon rides, playing cribbage, enjoying a brandy Old Fashioned, Friday nights at John's Corner Bar and watching the Bucks, Brewers and Packers (he was a proud season ticket holder for over 50 years). Most of all, Lawrence's family was his pride and joy and he loved spending his time with them. 

Memories of Lawrence will be forever treasured by those he left behind: his fianceé, Doris Larson, three children: Lawrence (Carol) Turkow, Gresham, Tammy (Rob) Coyne, Hortonville and Shelly Turkow, Green Bay, five grandchildren: Pat (Amber) Turkow, Josh (Jaclyn) Turkow, Jesse (Katie) Turkow, Carly (Dave) Gammey and Faith Coyne, and nine great grandchildren.  

He is further survived by one brother: Alan (Lucy) Turkow, three sisters: JoAnn (Robert) Ackman, Julie (Charles) Luepke, and Cindy Hatcher, brother-in-law: Martin Hintz. 
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Viola and Wilbur Turkow, sister Nancy Hintz and daughter Cheryl Turkow. 

Friends may call at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Monday, June 17th. Service to follow at 11:00 AM. A private burial will be held at Highland Memorial in Appleton. 

Lawrence's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Donna Smith, who provided exceptional care and friendship to him over the past two years. Also, to Tracy, Nicole, Sabrina and Anna at Shawano Health Services. Your kindness and care were greatly appreciated.  

To our dad, our grandpa and our great grandpa. We love you more than words can say, and we will miss you every day.