Joseph Turkovich

Joseph Turkovich, 80, of New Philadelphia, Ohio died Friday, January 18, 2002 in the Hope Hospice House at North Ft. Myers, Florida following an extended illness.

He owned and operated Tall Timber Lake from 1961-92. He retired in 1984 as a Surface Mining and Heavy Equipment operator.

Born March 8, 1921 in Waynesburg, Ohio, he was the son of the late Petar and Magdalene Vitina Turkovich. He spent most of his childhood in Dellroy.

Joseph was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church at Dover. He was a World War II US Army veteran having served in the 99th Infantry Division where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a member of the Thomas J. Ayers Post of the VFW and was a life member of the D.A.V. He was also a member of the Dover Moose Lodge and enjoyed gardening, golfing, bowling, and horse shoes.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lesjak Turkovich with whom he would have celebrated 56 years of marriage on Nov. 10.

He is also survived by his daughter Marilyn (Craig) Manuel of West Chester, Ohio and his son, Dennis (Charlene) Turkovich of Hudson, Ohio.

Five grandchildren Julie Elizabeth and Lisa Josephine Manuel and Jason Michael, Kevin James, and Christopher David Turkovich.

Four sisters Katherine Witts, Anna Geiger, Ella Choma and Rose Suarez all of Canton along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Marko and John Turkovich Sr. and a sister, Ruby Baxter.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 1 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home at Dover with Revs. George Reichman and Wayne Wheeler officiating. Interment will be in the Ridgecrest Memory Gardens where the Dover VFW will conduct military graveside services. Friends may call at the funeral home Wednesday from 5-8 pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Joseph may sign the online register book by visiting the ''online obituaries'' link on our website at www.tolandherzig.com

Memorials may be made to the Faith United Methodist Church at Dover.