John Daniel Turck — Canton

John D. Turck, 89, of rural Canton, died Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at Harmony Community Healthcare.

John Daniel Turck was born June 15, 1923, in Preston, to Earl and Martha (Rasmussen) Turck. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Preston. John was a 1941 graduate of Preston High School. He then attended Austin Junior College for two years. He helped his dad with the family trucking business until he was called to serve in the U.S. Army from 1944-1946 stateside. John trained as a medic, for the military police and as a driver for the motor pool. He always said he probably had the longest record for taking basic training. When he returned from the Army, he helped his dad with the trucking business until taking over when his dad retired. He hauled general commodities, household goods and livestock. The last few years, he was trucking hogs to Geo. A. Hormel.John trucked almost 50 years, retiring on Nov. 30, 1992. He continued hauling apples, following his retirement, for Jacobson's Pine Tree Orchard in the fall.

John married Anita Buss of Spring Valley on Aug. 21, 1966. To this union was born three sons, David, Michael and James. He loved and was very proud of them. The couple lived in Preston until about 12 years ago when they moved to their farm in rural Canton. John and Anita spent part of 19 winters in Arizona.

He was a member of the Preston American Legion for 66 years and was also a member of the Preston Masonic Lodge. John served on the building committee for Christ Lutheran Church and was church treasurer for six years. He enjoyed reading, especially books about the civil war, history and railroads.

He is survived by his wife Anita; sons, David (Melanie), Michael (Leah), and James (Jill); the apple of his eye, granddaughter, Deirdre; sisters-in-law, LaDonna (Dick) Severson and Marilyn (Lyn) July; and brother-in-law, Fred (Robbie Monroe) Buss.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 26, at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston, with the Rev. Dave Jore officiating. Burial will be in the Henrytown Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 12 p.m. until the time of service.

Thauwald Funeral Home in Preston is assisting the family with arrangements.