Ronald George Turkus

Ron was born in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, the third son to Florence (Dubau) Turkus and Peter Turkus. He attended St. Clair Shores public schools for his elementary education and completed his middle school and high school education in Rochester Hills, Michigan. Ron loved playing baseball and working for his father at Auto Service Center, a business his father built into the largest Mobil service station in Detroit. Ron and his family were members of the Romanian Orthodox Church located in Detroit. The Turkus family, along with their Romanian cousins, were very close and spent many holidays together, with the 4th of July and his grandparents’ anniversary, being a special highlight for Ron.

Ron attended Oakland Community College for two years, then transferred to Michigan State University for his junior and senior years. While at Michigan State he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter. It was here he met many of his lifelong friends, holding season tickets for MSU football for years and gathering with fellow “Under the Clock” fans creating many cherished memories. Ron also was an MSU cheerleader in his junior and senior years, loving the opportunity to travel with the teams. Ron graduated from MSU in 1974 with a Bachelor of Social Science Degree. During college, Ron sold fence for Sawdon Fence Co. in Williamston, Michigan, where he started his career as a salesperson. He claimed the experience working with Mr. Sawdon and working with his father, molded his path throughout his career.

Following college, Ron worked for Burroughs for just a few short months and realized quickly he wanted to be self-employed like his father. He began selling Conklin products, which are still used in his family home today. Shortly after, he began his lifelong career in roofing sales with Dalton Roofing, where he would sell commercial and residential roofs for over 20 years. In 2003, Ron started his own business, Roof Technologies Inc., where he would sell hundreds of roofs over the course of his career. He was passionate about his business and fostered many long-lasting relationships and friendships throughout his career. Ron never had to post advertisements; rather, his customer service, the work quality, and his work ethic alone, were enough to generate a recurring stream of opportunities to sustain his business.

In 1988, Ron married his loving wife, Carol (Rodgers) Turkus, with whom he spent almost 36 wonderful years. They had two amazing sons, Jonathan and Benjamin. He spent the rest of his life, loving and supporting the interests of his family. He would never miss a game, a play, or a drumline event. He thanked God each day for his blessings. Ron loved to sing as part of the choir at Haslett Community Church. When he was not spending time with his family, Ron enjoyed pheasant hunting with his dog, Jack, in Anita, Iowa, with Carol’s family. Artie, Jack’s son, came along, and became Ron’s best buddy! He also enjoyed collecting coins, visiting the casino, and fishing. But, his all-time favorite pastime, was to chop wood for their home wood burner. Many stacks of different types of firewood line their family home. He truly enjoyed his warm fires!

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Florence Turkus, and his brother Robert Turkus. He is survived by his spouse, Carol; his children, Jonathan and Benjamin Turkus; his brother Peter (Cheryl) Turkus.

Ron loved life, loved learning about details of each person he met, loved God, loved his family, friends, and loved his labs – Jack and Artie! He whistled in the shower and while he shopped for groceries! Ron had simple wants and was a happy man!

Ron had two requests:

• Ron always told the boys he wanted these words placed on his grave:

“Here lies, Ron Turkus. He had the BEST time!”

• Ron’s other request is you wear your favorite color or a piece of your MSU attire to his memorial. -- SO PLEASE HELP US GRANT HIS WISH!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Road to Hope 1863 Liberty Avenue, Vermilion, OH 44089, Lansing City Mission, give online or mail to 2216 S Cedar St, Lansing MI 48910, or Haslett Community Church, P.O. Box 217 1427 Haslett Road, Haslett, MI 48840