He was born April 6, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois to Paul F. Tuerk and Viola M. Tuerk. The Tuerk family moved to Indianapolis in 1938 where he attended Shortridge High School. After graduating in 1941 he worked a short time at Allison Engine Company then entered the Navy Officer Candidate School in 1943. After the war, he graduated from Indiana University in 1948 with a degree in history.
Immediately after school Robert joined his brother and father in the family business, Aero Canvas Products. Robert took over the business in 1963 after the death of his father. The company grew with Robert’s gracious manner and creativity through the 1960s and 1970s. He revolutionized the truck tarping industry with his 9 patents. Robert was involved with the Industrial Fabrics Association International, the Indiana Motor Truck Association and the American Trucking Association. Robert was honored with the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2004 from Governor Joseph Kernan. Throughout those years he enjoyed volunteer work at Optimist International and many friends through Junto Club 40 years and Meridian Hills Country Club, where he played golf regularly with his 89, 95 and 98 year-old buddies. He also was a great dancer with a long line of ladies waiting. Along with golf, his interests were classic cars and stamp collecting. Robert and Janie wintered for 40 years in Boynton Beach, Florida
Robert is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jane B. Tuerk and children David E. Powers, James R. Tuerk, Candace T. Hernandez all of Indianapolis area and grandchildren Caroline M. Tuerk of Los Angeles, Alexander D. Tuerk and Jonathan R. Tuerk, both of Indianapolis.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Paul R. Tuerk and Gloria T. Wray. He is a member of St. Lukes Methodist Church.
Family and friends will gather at 4:00 to 7:00pm Wednesday, January 30th in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel. The funeral will follow at 10:00am on Thursday, January 31st at Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to your favorite charity in Robert’s name.
To share a personal memory of Bob please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.
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