Thomas Lee Turner

Thomas Lee Turner

Merrill, Michigan

The Lord called our beloved husband and father home, free of pain and suffering, on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the age of 75 years. 

Thomas was born on March 25, 1949, son of the late Walter and Virginia (Whelton) Turner, in Saginaw. He married Patricia Roekle on July 15, 1972. She survives him. Thomas retired from Saginaw Steering Gear after 30 years of dedicated service and was a member of the U.A.W. Local #699. He was also member of St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Church. Thomas was a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Grand Knight of Council 2291, Faithful Navigator of 4^th. Degree Assembly #0495 and a District Deputy. Thomas was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Michigan and Merrill teams. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed hunting, farming, camping, traveling and most of all, spending time with his family. 

He will be missed by his loving wife of 51 years, Patricia Turner; sons, Thomas J. and Joe Bleise, who he loved like a son; brother, Mike Turner; several nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including his special friend, Dale Streichert. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, James A. Turner, brother, Dick Turner, sisters, Eileen and Jody Turner, sisters-in-law, Kim and Peggy Turner, his grandparents, mother and father-in-law, several aunts and uncles. 

Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Church, 151 St. Marys Drive, Hemlock. Rev. Michael F. Steltenkamp, S.J. will officiate with burial in St. Patrick-Ryan Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at W. L. Case and Company, 125 E. Saginaw Street, Merrill, where the family will be present for a prayer vigil starting at 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Knights of Columbus Council #2291 or St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Church or a charity of donor’s choice.