Turriff, Donald F.

Other Events:

• Military Service: Between 1938 and 1945
• Obituary: 31 May 2010; Green Bay Press Gazette

Notes:

Military Service:
Enlisting in the National Guard in 1938. He was in the 32nd Infantry Division known as the Red Arrow. The 32nd Division was among the first to be called to active duty in World War II. Donald served in many campaigns in the South Pacific throughout the war until being honorably discharged in 1945.

Obituary:
Donald F. Turriff, 91, passed away peacefully on his birthday at "Serenity," his beloved cottage on Lake Lucerne. Donald was born May 29, 1919, in De Pere, to Roland and Mary (Van De Hei) Turriff. After attending Nicolet High School, Donald worked in the family plumbing business until enlisting in the National Guard in 1938. He was in the 32nd Infantry Division known as the Red Arrow. The 32nd Division was among the first to be called to active duty in World War II. Donald served in many campaigns in the South Pacific throughout the war until being honorably discharged in 1945.
On Oct. 7, 1950, he married Zeta Wellens at St. Francis Catholic Church. Donald was employed by the state of Wisconsin as a Master Plumber at the Green Bay Reformatory for 34 years, retiring in 1982. He was also the Plumbing Inspector for the city of De Pere for over 20 years. He served as president for the Wisconsin Society of Plumbing Inspectors. Donald was a lifelong member of the VFW Post 2113, the American Legion, the Disabled Veterans and the De Pere Men's Club.
In 2009, Donald was contacted by the World War II Museum in New Orleans, La., to share his experiences with the "Red Arrow" for the museum's South Pacific Wing. He donated several of his World War II artifacts and pictures to the museum.
Donald enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time up north with his family and friends.
Donald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Zeta; three daughters and two sons, Terri (David) Gay, Barb (Dave) Stencil, Amy Jo Turriff, Tim Turriff, Jeff Turriff; six grandchildren, Chelsea and Dan Gay, Tara Stencil, Miranda, Logan and Devin Turriff. He is also survived by one sister-in-law, Gerri Turriff; and many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; four brothers, Ray, Elzier, Ramsdall and Thomas; three sisters, Marie Turriff, Lucille Jenen and Jane Renkins.
Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home, 305 N. Tenth Street, De Pere, on Wednesday, June 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. with the prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue after 8 a.m. Thursday at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes Ave. and Suburban Drive, De Pere, until the Mass of Christian Burial at 9 a.m. with Fr. Tim Shillcox, O. Praem., officiating. Entombment will take place in Allouez Catholic Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Unity Hospice.
Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family.
The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for the wonderful care they provided and the best neighbors anyone could ask for, Paul and Jackie Cramer and Keith and Melanie Orde.

Donald married Wellens, Zeta (daughter of Wellens, Theodore and Okeefe, Ethel) [Group Sheet]