Clarence J. Turenne
Clarence J. Turenne, 89, of Athens passed away on Friday, July 26, 2024, under the care of The Oaks hospice.
He was born on Oct. 29, 1934 in Reseburg Township, Wisconsin, to the late Albert and Mildred (Lockbaum) Turenne.
After completing his education in the Thorp, Wisconsin, area, Clarence enlisted in the Marine Corps for two years. After his enlistment, he managed his brother Charles’ bar, The Pit Stop, in Portland, Oregon. Upon returning to Wisconsin, he co-owned and co-operated the Mile-a-Way Tavern and Ballroom in Thorp from 1961-67 with his brother Fred.
He was united in marriage to Anita M. Fredrickson on Dec. 2, 1967 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thorp.
After selling the bar, he farmed in Thorp. Turenne went to work at the Northern Wisconsin Institute for the Developmentally Disabled in Chippewa Falls in 1971. He worked there as an institutional aide for 22 years. Turenne simultaneously worked part-time at Leon and Lil’s bar in Thorp. He retired in 1993. He and Anita relocated to Lexington, where he gardened year round and kept chickens.
Turenne enjoyed camping and traveling with his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved desserts, dancing, an audience and anything fire-related.
In 2018, he and Anita moved to Georgetown Condominiums in Athens. He appreciated the friendship of his new neighborhood.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Anita. Clarence was a loving father of three children. He is also survived by Jill Turenne of Hull, Kim Schmidt (Chad) of Mondovi, Wisconsin, and Kevin Turenne (Pam Brittingham) of Athens, and grandchildren Erin and Steven. As one of 12 siblings, Clarence is survived by many nieces and nephews and his great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Washington. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1015 North Bypass West, Highway 78, Washington, Georgia 30673.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.