TURNER- Kenneth Wenzel “Skip” Gurschick Sr., 75, of Turner, passed away at his residence with his loving family by his side Dec. 20, 2005. Ken was born Dec. 7, 1930, in Hebron, a son of the late Karl W. Sr. and Johanna (Schott) Gurschick. Ken attended Rumford schools and graduated from Stephen’s High School, Class of 1950. He served his country as commissary man second class USN-1 in the U.S. Navy from Jan. 13, 1951-Dec. 16, 1954. Ken and Elaine were married, Sept. 19, 1953, and together they raised their five children. Ken worked as a young adult at his father’s business, Twin Town Rendering Co. of Rumford. Upon discharge from the service, Ken and his brothers formed a partnership continuing their fathers business, expanding through the years to Auburn, Bangor and Rutland, Vt. Skip was a hard worker, long days were the normal for him. As an entrepreneur he was part owner of many business ventures, LaFleur Associates, Gurschick Bros. Reality, White Fawn Trading Post, Bangor Beef, Rumford Concrete, Transport Salvage Inc., he served as treasurer for many of these companies. Upon sale of the family business in 1990, Ken retired. Skip could not sit still so he started his last business, Ken’s Rental, renting tables, chairs and party needs, this kept him active and as he would always say, he had to keep the grandchildren busy. He was a member of the United Baptist Church in Lewiston, the American Legion Post No. 22, the Ashlar Masonic Lodge Auburn and a member of the Andy Valley Snow Gypsies. Ken had many hobbies, including bee keeping at his home in Turner, making his famous maple syrup, gardening, spending family time at camp on Little Wilson Pond in Turner, and piloting his planes was a favorite past time. He loved fishing at many locations, middle of the day trips flying out with his best friend to wet a line were not uncommon. He loved spending time at his fishing camp in Lac Boiley, Bay Comeau, Quebec. Skip was an avid hunter, hunting for all types of game and spending quality time at his hunting camp in Dixmont. Snowmobile trips with his many friends were always special to him, but above all he loved to spend time with his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elaine (Buotte) Gurschick of Turner; his three daughters, Colleen Bennett of Turner, Marie Hebert and husband, Ray, of Auburn, Abigail Gurschick of Greene; two sons, Kenneth W. Gurschick Jr. and wife, Wendy, of Melbourne, Fla., and Norman W. Gurschick Sr. and wife, Brenda, of Minot. Ken is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Jonathan Bennett, Stephen and Scott Marquis, Jordan Gurschick, Norman Jr., Amy, Laura and Evan Gurschick; two sisters, Eris Mason and husband, Paul, of West Virginia and Johanna Morrison and husband, Stephen, of Rockland; a brother, Walter A. Gurschick Sr. and wife, Leona, of Bangor, as well as many nieces and nephews. Predeceasing Kenneth are his parents, six sisters, Anna LaFleur, Emma Bailey, Ruth Soucy, Lydia Pettingill, Lillian Zimmerman and Florence Fillinger; and two brothers, Karl W. Gurschick Jr. and Henry Gurschick. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Fortin Funeral Group, 217 Turner St., corner of Turner and Center Streets, Auburn. Funeral service will be held Wednesday 11 a.m., at United Baptist Church, 250 Main St., Lewiston. Committal service will be in Gracelawn Memorial Park. Those wishing to make memorial donations, may do so to the American Heart Association, 343 Gorham Rd., So. Portland, ME 04106, the Andy Valley Sno Gypsies, 36 Summit St., Auburn, ME 04210, make checks payable to the Andy Valley Sno Gypsies in memory of Ken Gurschick, or the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice Foundation, 15 Strawberry Ave., P.O. Box 819, Lewiston, ME 04243-0819.
KENNETH WENZEL ‘SKIP’ GURSCHICK SR.
