James Tureson, 76
On Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021, James Eugene Tureson passed away at the age of 76.
James was born on June 19, 1945, in Hallock, Minn., to Eddie and Elaine Tureson. My dad was one of four siblings: Allan (Jeannie) Tureson, Larry (Diane) Tureson and Betty (Steve) Ness-his angel here on earth. Each one of you made an impact on my dad. He loved you all so much. My dad was one of the best athletes to come out of Hallock and was part of the 1961 State Hockey Team as a sophomore. If you ever saw him at the rink, he had a story to tell about those days.
Fast forward to Oct. 26, 1973, when James married Judith (Judy) Vander Beek, aka “BEST WIFE EVER.” Somehow, he convinced her to move to the North Pole, aka “Hallock, Minn.” They celebrated 48 years of marriage this year.
James has three boys: Jeff (Stacie) Tureson, Mike Tureson, and Greg (Amanda) Tureson. Greg was by the far the favorite and Dad told him this all the time. In all seriousness, Dad loved us more than we will ever know. Jeff, he is so proud of you and everything you accomplished; you are a strong and wonderful man, married the perfect wife and had the perfect daughter. Mike, you are the perfect example of strength. You have gone through so much and always seem to find a light at the end of the tunnel.
My dad enjoyed the outdoors. The Tureson Deer Hunting Adventures were our favorite. We always did really well filling our tags, but that is not what made these weekends legendary. Family from all over would come hunting with us that first weekend in November, mostly because they wanted to see who was going to fall in the river or out of a tree stand. Fishing also had its fun. Great memories of heading to Lake of the Woods for ice fishing and Mike dropping his glasses in the hole.
My dad had several grandchildren. He loved any chance he got to see them. Papa had his stories about each of you and he told them often. When the time is right, I will be happy to tell you all of them. I will say, to ALL his grandkids, remember those moments and he will always be with you. He loved you all very much.
I will close with this. My dad had a kind heart. Everything he did in his life was always with the best intentions. If he knew you, he cared about you. I was one of the lucky ones to be able to call him “Dad.” I will be forever grateful for that. This picture says it all, “Cheers to a happy life. Be Happy and Be Kind. I will see you all again one day.”
Memorial services are scheduled for Friday, May 13, 2022, at 11 a.m. in Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Hallock.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of the arrangements. www. austinfuneralchapel.com.
