Robert E. “Bobby T.” Turzinski, age 68, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 27, 1948 in Stevens Point, Wis. to the late Irene Turzinski and was a 1966 graduate of P.J. Jacobs High School. After 18 years of dating, he married Rita Rutta on March 12, 2014, in Las Vegas, NV.  The couple resided in Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. His wife Rita survives.  

Bobby T. enlisted in the U.S. Army February 26, 1969 and served one tour in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged February 22, 1971.  

Bobby T. worked at Ruan Transport for 23 years, retiring in 2005. In 2001 he received the two-million-mile safety award, for outstanding performance as a professional driver.

He started racing stock cars at the age of 15 at Golden Sands Speedway in Plover, Wis. and continued his racing career for many years throughout the state of Wisconsin. One of his greatest achievements was winning the track championship at Golden Sands Speedway in 1996. Throughout the years he worked on Dick Trickle’s team as a crew member and raced with some of the greats including Dick Trickle, Jim Back, Joe Shear, Larry Detjens, Marv Marzofka and Mike Miller.  

Bobby T. was very competitive and loved winning but what he loved most about racing was spending time with family, friends and fans in the shop and at the track. He had a very big heart for his children and grandchildren and for animals including his two Bichon Frises Lilly and Sophie.  

He is survived by his wife, Rita; daughter Anney Olds of Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.; son Robert Caleb (Ashley) Turzinski of Reedsburg, Wis.; daughter Amanda (Ryan) Greeno of Pardeeville, Wis.; stepchildren Jesse Steinhoff of Sparta, Wis. and Garrett Raatz of Plover, Wis.; grandchildren Brian, Brett and Caleb Kip; step-grandchildren Madison, Hunter, Ryley, Carter, Raegann, Scarlett, Bennett and Grady; brother, James (Diane) Turzinski; sister, Linda (Robert) Pallen and many nieces and nephews.  

He is preceded in his death by his mother Irene Turzinski; brother, Ronald Turzinski; sister, Delores Miller; brother-in-law, Leroy Miller; son, Zachary and his beloved dog Scruffy.  

Funeral Services will be at 11 AM Monday, Oct. 31, 2016 at the Pisarski Community Funeral Home, 2911 Plover Road, Plover, Wis. Rev. Dale Grubba will officiate. Burial will follow with full military honors in the Plover cemetery. Family and friends may call from 3 PM to 7 PM Sunday at the Pisarski Community Funeral Home in Plover and again from 9 AM until the time of services Monday morning at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff at the VA in Tomah, Wis. and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.