Michael "Mike" William Turek, age 72, passed away after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at home on Thursday, August 15, 2024.

Mike was born in Racine on February 2, 1952, to Martin "Jake" and Dolores (nee: Depp) Turek. After graduating from JI Case High School in 1970, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served from August 3, 1970 until July 8, 1974, on the USS Belknap Guided Missile Frigate and traveled the world.  On June 11, 1977, Mike was united in marriage with Kathy Lemke. Mike was employed by JI Case, Young Radiator, Nelson Bros. & Strom, and worked as a car salesman for a number of years. Mike was a member of Racine Fire Bell Club, which led to his interest in becoming a firefighter. Mike joined the Great Lakes Fire Department in 1986.  In addition to being a Firefighter and EMT at Great Lakes, Mike was a member of the Hazmat Team, served as a network administrator, IAFF local F-37 VP & President, ultimately retiring in 2007

Among his interests, Mike enjoyed fishing trips to LaCrosse with his fishing buddy, Russ; went on several fishing trips to Canada with family and friends; liked camping with friends in Door County. Mike was affectionately known for his love of collecting gadgets and earned the nickname "Gadgetman". He loved collecting watches, clocks and fire department memorabilia. In retirement, he enjoyed woodburning, 3D printing, along with grilling and smoking various meats. First and foremost, Mike loved his family and friends, and was looking forward to becoming a great grandpa. Mike was an avid animal lover, especially his dogs and grand dogs.

Surviving are his wife, Kathy; son, Jeff (Aurora) Turek; grandchildren, CiPriani Turek, Berto (Joy) Diaz, Aurelia Diaz and Marco Diaz; father-in-law, Gary Lemke; brothers-in-law, Dave (Lynne) Lemke and Bill (Gayle) Lemke; sister-in-law, Sharman Turek; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Martin "Jake" and Dolores; brother, Jim Turek; mother-in-law, Myrt Lemke; and all his firefighter brothers who have fallen before him.

Special thanks are extended by the family to Dr. Michael Zeihen and Hospice Alliance for their compassionate care throughout Mike's illness.

Service Details

A Celebration of Life Service for Mike will be held at New Life Lutheran Church – Somers, 1520 Green Bay Road, Somers, WI on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 9:00AM with Pastor David Pagel officiating. Visitation will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 5:00PM – 7:00PM. Inurnment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Hwy. C in Union Grove on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 11:00AM.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers due to family allergies, memorials to the family are welcome.