Submitted by Dan Rich

John Lewallen Turak

Jan. 4, 1934 - July 12, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/15/2008
SOUTH BEND - John Lewallen "Jack" Turak, 74 years old, residing in South Bend, passed away at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2008, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and children. Mr. Turak was born on January 4, 1934, in Rolling Prairie, to the late Lawrence and Mabel (Lewallen) Turak. He was raised in Rolling Prairie and had lived in South Bend for the past 47 years.

On July 22, 1961, in South Bend, he married Nancy K. Nevins. Along with his wife, Nancy of 47 years, survivors include his three sons, John A. (Jerri) Turak of Kenmore, WA, Jeffrey A. Turak of South Bend and Joel A. (Sandy) Turak of South Bend; five grandchildren, Jack, Sam, Carolyn, Casey and Carley Turak; his sister, Karen (Jerry) Jolley of Rochester, IN; and his mother and father-in-law, Dorothy and Bill Nevins of South Bend. Mr. Turak was a graduate of Purdue University where he received his BS in mechanical engineering. After 35 years of service with the Bendix Corporation, he retired as manager of international engineering for the Bendix Chassis and Brake Components Division. He proudly served his country with the United States Air Force and was a member of American Legion Post 284, South Bend. Mr. Turak was also a member of the Lydick United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 17, in the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan Street, South Bend. Rev. Jennifer Johns-Gooding, pastor of Lydick United Methodist Church, will officiate. Military graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16th, in the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Jack Turak may be made to The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.