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Eugene “Turk” DesRocher

Eugene "Turk" DesRocher

DESROCHER

Eugene “Turk” DesRocher, 93, of Sparta, IL; born on July 11, 1925 in Percy, IL; passed away on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at Cedarhurst Assisted Living in Sparta, IL.

Turk was a veteran of the United States Navy Seebees serving during World War II.  After the war, he worked for the Brown Shoe Factory, and retired from Zeigler Coal Mine.  He was a member of the U.M.W.A. and a lifetime member of the Percy American Legion.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Turk, enjoyed reminiscing about his ‘big catches’.  He was a charismatic jokester, who loved a good laugh and conversation.  Turk often left one wondering if he just pulled one over on them.

In retirement, Turk could be found ‘picking’ at auctions and flea markets, where he bought everything from toasters to knives to cars.  He often ‘fixed-up’ these items and sold them out of his truck at local watering holes.

He is survived by his children– Phyllis (Jim) Hayes of Sparta, IL; Janice DesRocher-Barbour of Sparta, IL; Kim (Danny) Wesbecher of Steeleville, IL. Seven grandchildren – Michael (Julie) Hayes of Sparta, IL; Catina (Tim) McDonald of Sparta, IL; Jennifer Barbour of Steeleville, IL; Laura (Jeremy) Thies of Campbell Hill, IL; Jonathan (Logan) Barbour of Steeleville, IL; Danyele (Dustin) Heiple of Steeleville, IL; Dylan Wesbecher of Evansville, IL. Eight great grandchildren. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife – Evelyn, nee Kueker, DesRocher whom passed away on December 3, 2018.  Parents – Oscar and Effie, nee Ward, DesRocher.  One grandson – Aaron Deppe.  Four brothers – Samuel DesRocher, Hubert DesRocher, Herbert DesRocher and Arthur DesRocher.  Three sisters – Faye Killgrove, Nathalie Kiehna and Eileen DesRocher.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Condolences to the family may be expressed on line at www.heilschuessler.com.

A private graveside interment was held on Friday, July 5.

Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements.

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  1. Candy Smith says:

    Sorry to here about the passing of Turk. He always had a story to tell you or something to try to sell you . But his smile was the best. So rest In peace Turk.

  2. Linda/Richard Florreich says:

    Sending condolences.

  3. Shalla says:

    I am so blessed to have met Turk. I enjoyed his stories very much. I enjoyed getting to know and spend time with him each, I am going to miss him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew and loved him.

  4. Mary Stork says:

    Phyllis, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Prayers for you and your family. Mary Stork & family

4 Comments

  1. Phyllis, so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Prayers for you and your family. Mary Stork & family

    Reply
  2. I am so blessed to have met Turk. I enjoyed his stories very much. I enjoyed getting to know and spend time with him each, I am going to miss him so much. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who knew and loved him.

    Reply
  3. Sending condolences.

    Reply
  4. Sorry to here about the passing of Turk. He always had a story to tell you or something to try to sell you . But his smile was the best. So rest In peace Turk.

    Reply

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