Obit: Turenne, Fred J. #3 (1936 - 2010)

Contact: Dolores Mohr Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Turenne, Lockbaum, Luzinski, Lehman, Lobacz, Sporrer

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) September 29, 2010

Turenne, Fred J. (15 July 1936 - 24 September 2010)

Fred J. Turenne, 74, of Thorp, passed away on Friday, September 24, 2010, at his home, surrounded by his loving family, under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospital Chippewa Falls Home Hospice.

He was born on July 15, 1936, in Reseburg Township, to the late Albert and Mildred (Lockbaum) Turenne.  He was united in marriage on June 2, 1962, to Brenda Luzinski at Saint Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thorp, WI.

After completing his education in the Thorp area, Fred headed west to become a logger in the state of Oregon, working there for six years.  Upon returning to Wisconsin, he owned and operated Mile-a-Way Tavern and Ballroom from 1961 to 1967.  After selling the bar, he then worked as a foreman for North Central Construction.  He later started his own construction company in 1972, building residential homes, commercial buildings and selling Pittsville Homes, Sterling Homes, and Berg farm equipment, along with raising beef cattle for 30 years.  Fred was a hard working, honest man, who loved the community he grew up in and worked to build his business along with building friendships through the years.

Fred had a love for the outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing or working on someone’s cabin.  He just loved being outside, no matter what the element.  His many trips hunting elk, moose and deer out west and in Canada were annual events. The planning of these trips took all year long with his sons, brothers, and many friends.  He love the peaceful time spent in the fall and spring turkey hunting with his daughter.

Fred truly loved his wife of 48 years and cherished the time they spent together.  Their many trips throughout the United States and overseas, going to all the rodeos from Texas to Canada and collecting his many cowboy hats, or even just going to the casino for a few hours meant so much to him.  His love for his children will go on forever, from the many skills he taught them, to the work ethic he instilled in them.  He enjoyed family gatherings; spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow with such pride in all they have accomplished.  Fred will truly be missed by his family, from his detailed stories, to his funny nicknames that he seemed to give to all who truly earned them.

Fred is survived by his wife, Brenda, of Thorp; his sons: Jeff (Karen) Turenne, of Thorp, and their children, Taylor and Garrett; Gregg (Missy) Turenne, of Thorp, and their children, Matt, Andrew and Alex; James (Lisa) Turenne, of Merrill, and their children, Mariah, Allie and Bailey; and his daughter, Lisa (Doug) Lehman, of Spencer, and their children, Derrick and Melissa.  Siblings include sisters: Grace Lobacz, of Thorp, and Betty (Dean) Sporrer, of Bend, Oregon; Brothers: Philip Turenne, of Thorp, Charles Turenne, of Portland, Oregon, Clarence (Anita) Turenne, of Lexington, Georgia, and John (Janet) Turenne of Idaho; along with many nieces and nephews and so many wonderful friends.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Paul and Willard; and sisters: Eleanor and Marion.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the St. Joseph’s Hospital Chippewa Falls Home Hospice.

We would also like to thank the hospice staff for the wonderful care and support they gave to Fred, including their volunteers, Joel and Marcie.  Special thanks, to nurse Sara who truly helped all of us on Fred’s journey to a better place.

A memorial service as held on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church, Thorp.  Visitation was from 3:00 p.m. until time of service at 4:00 p.m.  A reception/meal followed at 5:00 p.m. in the church basement.