ROCKFORD – Clarence “Butch” Turek, 69, of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. He was born March 7, 1949, in Chicago, the son of Florence (Rugalinski) and Joseph Turek.
Butch was a graduate of Polo Community High School, classes of 1967 and 1968. He received his Associates Degree from Sauk Valley Community College. Butch married the love of his life, Pamela Johnson, on Sept. 1, 1988. He worked at Woods Equipment Company as Head of Test and Development, Service Manager at Lunde Truck Sales, and after 26 years at Stemco LLC, Butch retired in 2017 as the National Service Manager.
Butch had a “larger than life” personality and was incredibly proud of his Polish heritage. He loved working on his vintage PONTIACS and Jaguars. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife and family, and being surrounded with music of his generation (Southern Cross by CSNY, Steely Dan, The Beach Boys, etc.). Butch was an avid cigar smoker and a member of J&R Cigar Club. Above all, Butch was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He will be sorely missed by those who hold him dear, especially his beloved Wolf Pack.
Survived by his darling wife, Pamela (Johnson) Turek; children, Jaci Turek (Will Clark), Jocelyn Turek, Jessica (Randy) Tillema and Joseph (Kristin) Turek; 6 grandchildren and 4 siblings. Friends Bill Power and Patrick Mulligan, and best friend Jim Rogers.
Predeceased by his parents and two brothers, Joseph and Robert Turek.
A time of gathering was held Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 from 5-7 p.m., with a blessing at 7 p.m., at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Butch’s name to Rescue Warrior Corp., www.rescuewarriorscorp.org. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com
