Eugene "Gene" Turbak

Eugene “Gene” Turbak, 85

Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother, Eugene “Gene” Turbak, 85, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away February 21, 2017 at the Sacred Heart Medical Center of Spokane, Washington.  He was born April 16, 1931 in Kranzburg, South Dakota; Gene was the son of John “Jack” and Marjorie (Schmeginske) Turbak.

Gene moved to the Silver Valley in 1935 from South Dakota.  He attended and graduated from the Kellogg High School.  Gene was the proud recipient of a full ride scholarship to play football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, but because Gene’s father became ill, Gene had to return to the Silver Valley to help take care of his family.

Gene proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict; during his enlistment he also was a boxer and played football for the Army.

Gene married the love of his life, Carleen Mahoney on July 25, 1959 in Kellogg, Idaho.  Carleen passed away on March 15, 2014.

Gene first worked for the Bunker Hill Mining Company as a millwright; he then went to work for the Forest Products Treating Plant and then the Ebasco Environmental company.  Gene had also worked for the Star Mine and lastly for the City Parks Department for the City of Kellogg.

Gene was a member of the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg and a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was a sixty year member and past exalted ruler of the Kellogg Elks #1841.  Gene served as president of the Silver Valley Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and was a member of the men’s and mixed bowling leagues.  He had also served as umpire for little league baseball, as well as, men’s softball.  Gene was a body builder and had built and donated weights for the YMCA.

Gene dearly loved and enjoyed his eight granddaughters and had given them endearing nicknames.  He also enjoyed gardening, hunting and fishing- he even tied his own flies for fly-fishing.  Gene and his beloved Carleen also enjoyed ceramics for many years and Gene would paint their creations.  Gene loved his cigars and had quite the sweet tooth.

Gene is survived by three children Craig and Loretta Turbak of Smelterville, Idaho, Todd and Jan Turbak of Osburn, Idaho and Shannon Hoshowski of Kellogg; eight granddaughters Jina “Joona”, Julie “Jolly”, Christina “Crusty”, Holly “Hoola”, Shealeen “Sha”, Carlee “Carl”, Kayla “Koola” and Moriah “Moo Moo”; nine great-grandchildren; one brother Jack Turbak of Smelterville, Idaho; three sisters Rita Johnson of Spokane, Washington, Lois Bening of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and Carol Bottinelli of Deer Park, Washington; he is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carleen and one sister Janice Crall.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 10, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the St. Rita’s Catholic Church of Kellogg with Father Jerome Montez serving as celebrant.  A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Kellogg Elks following services.
The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Shoshone Cancer Resource Center, P.O. Box 261, Kellogg, Idaho 83837.
One may sign Gene’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com
SHOSHONE FUNERAL SERVICES KELLOGG, IDAHO is entrusted with funeral arrangements.