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Robert (Bob) Joseph Turck, age 86, of Dexter Michigan, passed away on August 11th, 2023. Robert was born on September 27, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of James and Mary Turck. He was preceded in death by his wife Judith Irene Turck in 2002, his sister Janet I. Dudzick in 2009, and his brother James A. Turck in 2010. He is survived by his son Jeffrey G. (Denise) Turck, and grandson Caleb A. Turck.
Robert graduated from Detroit Western High School in 1954. He graduated from University of Detroit with a B.S. in 1963 and D.D.S.in 1963. He joined the United States Air Force and was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama as a Captain in the Air Force Dental Corps. Robert was a dentist for forty-seven years, the last forty of which were spent in his private practice serving the Dexter, Michigan community.
Robert was a member of the Detroit District Dental Society, Washtenaw District Dental Society, Michigan Dental Society, American Dental Society, American Dental Association, Chicago Dental Society, American Society of Dentistry for Children, Academy of General Dentistry, American Society of Preventative Dentistry, Forum for Better Dentistry, International Association of Orthodontics, and Pierre Fouchard Academy. Past positions held included Board of Trustees for the University of Detroit Dental Alumni, President and Editor: Michigan chapter of the American Society of Preventative Dentistry, President and Editor: Forum for Better Dentistry, Legislative Committee: Washtenaw Dental Society, and State Chairman of Public Relations: Michigan Dental Association. Robert was inducted into the International College of Dentists in 2009 for his contributions to the art and science and general welfare of the dental profession. Robert retired from dentistry after surviving a stroke in 2011.
Robert was very active in the communities he resided in. While living in Plymouth Michigan, he joined the Jaycees and later became a J.C.I. Senator. Helping elect their chapter President to become the National President of the Jaycees furthered his political campaign activity later in life. He served as State Chair of several political action committees, as well as being campaign manager for two congressional candidates, a Michigan gubernatorial candidate, and on the steering/advisory committee for two other State and U.S. congressional candidates.
Robert was a musician as a child and played piano and trumpet. He loved all kinds of music but was especially fond of jazz. Robert was a lover of sports. While not playing competitively, he played all sports very well, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, golf, and skiing. Winters were spent up north skiing with his family, including an annual trip to Colorado. Later, he turned to golfing two to three times a week. While mostly golfing in Michigan, he also went on annual trips around the country with his golfing buddies. He was a season ticket holder for Michigan football, and the Red Wings. He went to many Tigers games including the 1984, 2006, and 2012 World Series.
His community involvement included coaching Little League Baseball, President of the Dexter Band Boosters, and President of the Dexter Community Players. While with the DCP, he acted in several plays and performed a variety of functions over many years. Robert was a past member of the Dexter Jaycees, Kiwanis, Lions Club, and current member of the Knights of Columbus.
Memorial Contributions can be made to the American Heart Association.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 3:00-8:00pm at the Hosmer Muelig Funeral Chapel, 3410 Broad Street, Dexter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Friday, August 18, 2023, 11:00am at the old village Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 3430 Dover Street, Dexter, with Father Brendan Walsh presiding. The family will receive friends from 10am until the time of service at 11am. Lunch to follow at the parish center.
