Richard J. "Dick" Turzenski's Obituary
Richard J. “Dick” Turzenski, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2018. He was born on May 21, 1930 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, the son of the late John and Teresa (Parks) Turzenski. He graduated from the Wisconsin State College, Stevens Point (currently the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point) in 1952 with a Bachelor’s degree in Intermediate and Upper Elementary Education. While in college, he met the love of his life, Angeline “Angie” Wittmann. They married on June 13, 1953. They were blessed with three children.
Richard devoted his professional life to education. He was a Junior High School teacher in Palmyra, WI, Principal in Palmyra and Madison, WI, and Superintendent of Schools for Brookfield, WI. He earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and attended Indiana University for coursework for a PhD. In 1964, he moved his young family to Oshkosh where Richard became the first Director of Placement for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. During Richard’s 31 years at the University, he helped thousands of graduating students find jobs. His was rated the #1 Placement Office in the Midwest during the 1970’s and he was selected by DisneyWorld as one of 75 participants to attend the International DisneyWorld Educators Forum in 1990. He was a member and office holder of numerous professional organizations including the Wisconsin Career Planning & Placement Association, Midwest College Placement Association, and Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators. Richard believed strongly in the value of higher education, but also insisted it result in meaningful employment. His tagline was “Get a Job!”
Dick had an excellent sense of humor and a quick wit. He and Angie would entertain recruiters, family and friends on a regular basis. He enjoyed being a member of both the Edgewater Club of Oshkosh and the Golden Glow of Christmas Past Club (the latter organization was somewhat forced upon him by Angie, but he enjoyed the members and their social outings). Dick took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He played a hugely significant role in the lives of his family members. Dick was a devoted Catholic who enjoyed daily praying of the rosary.
In retirement, Dick enjoyed traveling, babysitting his grandchildren, spending time at his lake home in Minocqua, and being with Angie. During the last several years, he took on the increasingly difficult role of caregiver for his wife. He remained totally devoted to her, even moving into a memory care assisted living center to be with her and continue watching over her.
Dick is survived by his wife, Angie of 65 years, his three children Terese (Craig) Steffes of Wauwatosa, Sheilah (Michael) Fields of Sun Prairie, and Michael (Shari) Turzenski of Pewaukee. He is also survived by his five grandchildren; John Turzenski, Laura Turzenski, Michelle Steffes, Anna Steffes, and Noah Fields, along with two nieces, a nephew, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Shirley Turzenski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. in St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church 830 South Westhaven Drive Oshkosh, WI 54904. Father Louis Golamari will be the celebrant. A time of visitation will be held on Friday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Oshkosh.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church or Father Carr’s Place 2B.
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