Theodore Turkcan

Ted was born in Lorain, Ohio on October 31, 1924, the son of Aspazia Zurkan. Ted was married to Margaret Ann Jones from 1947 until her passing in 1997. He married Elaine Hooper in 1999, she also preceded him in death in 2017.

Ted graduated from Melvindale High School in Michigan in 1942. He was president of the Senior Class, star catcher on the Melvindale baseball team and enjoyed participating in many high school activities.

Upon graduation from high school Ted enlisted into the U.S. Army Air Corps. After completing flight training, he was assigned to the 391st Bomb Group of the 9th Air Force, Squadron 573 in Essex England. Corporal Turkcan was a crew member on a Martin B-26 Marauder, serving as the tail gunner on WW2 Allied bombing missions.

Ted returned to Michigan after his military service and married his high school sweetheart Margaret. He earned a degree in chemistry from Wayne State University. He then began his career as a metallurgical chemist for the Udylite Corporation of Detroit Michigan. Ted was an expert in the electroplating process used in all levels of manufacturing. His knowledge and skills contributed to many industrial projects by a variety of manufacturing companies. After retirement from Udylite Ted established his own consulting company. His outstanding reputation made him a reliable resource for a variety of companies seeking chemical solutions including the Ford Motor Company, Sloan Valve, and the Schwinn Bicycle Corporation.

Ted was an active person throughout his life and an avid fan of Detroit Tigers and Lions. As a young man he played baseball in the amateur baseball leagues that flourished in the Detroit area. Ted was also an outstanding bowler with a 300 game to his credit. Ted’s many interests through the years included golf, developing his computer skills, and maintaining a well landscaped unique lawn. Ted had a special hobby of crafting ball point pens using select woods. Ted also enjoyed photography with a knack for taking remarkable nature photographs.

He was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and an active member of Central Baptist Church. Ted’s Christian faith directed and inspired his life.

Ted is survived by his daughters Dale (Bill) Bajorat, Lisa (George) Pellum, Cathy (Dave) Steckel; and his son, Mark (Kim) Turkcan; grandchildren, Andy (Kristen) Bajorat, Phil Bajorat, Jim (Christine) Pellum, Joe Pellum, Kate Turkcan, and Kevin Turkcan; and four great-grandchildren, Francie, Daniel, Charlie, and Nora.

Private Mass of Christian Burial will be held.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home- Springfield, 900 S. 6th St. Springfield