Ernest J. Turmell Jr.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Ernie Turmell passed away at the age of 86 on Friday, December 31, 2021, with his loving family by his side. Ernie was born on a farm on October 4, 1935, in Pinconning, Michigan to the late Ernest & Emily (Kedzierski) Turmell, Sr. While attending Pinconning High School, he enlisted in the Naval Reserves, serving until 1961. Ernie worked at Defoe Shipbuilding Company in Bay City until he moved to General Motors in Saginaw in 1970, where he worked as a skilled tradesman until his retirement in 1997. Ernie married Joan Pawlowski, on June 3, 1967, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Pinconning. He was an involved, lifetime member of St. Michael’s and an active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 60 years. A past district deputy, Ernie served Fr. Flajole K of C Council #2986 in many capacities, including Grand Knight, Financial Secretary, and Chief Counselor of the Columbian Squires, and enjoyed volunteering to support many events. He was also an active Fourth Degree member of Bishop Murphy Assembly #491 and the Color Corps, serving as Faithful Navigator, District Marshal, and Commander. Ernie supported his family, church, and community in many meaningful ways over the years, coaching youth baseball, leading the Cub Scouts, serving on committees, reading at mass, working at K of C breakfast and fish fries, and attending numerous football and baseball games, no matter the location or the weather. Ernie will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his steadfast determination, and his ability to fix anything.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, their children; Thomas (Norma) Turmell, Kenneth (Terri) Turmell, Robert Turmell, granddaughters; Kayla and Lyla Turmell, a brother Wayne (Denise) Turmell, sisters Mary Talicska, Patricia Knieper, Marcene St. Clair, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 11:00 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Kevin Maksym presiding; followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Ernie will lie in state at the Church on Wednesday from 9:30 am until 10:30 am.
Donations in memory of Ernie may be made to the Midland office of Promedica/Heartland Hospice (promedica.org/waystogive/hospice-memorial-fund/donate/), the Michigan Special Olympics (specialolympics.org/programs/united-states/michigan) or to Holy Trinity Parish, Pinconning. (holytrinitypinconning.org).
Lee-Ramsay Funeral Home, Pinconning, MI, was in charge of arrangements.