TURNER – Kenneth Wenzel “Skip” Gurschick Sr., 75, of Turner, passed away on Dec. 20 at his residence, with his loving family by his side.

He was born in Hebron on Dec. 7, 1930, a son of the late Karl W. Sr. and Johanna (Schott) Gurschick.

He 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, until Dec. 16, 1954.

He and Elaine Buotte were married on Sept. 19, 1953, and together they raised their five children.

As a young adult, he worked at his father’s business, Twin Town Rendering Co. of Rumford. Upon discharge from the service, he and his brothers formed a partnership continuing their father’s 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, including LaFleur Associates, Gurschick Bros. Realty, White Fawn Trading Post, Bangor Beef, Rumford Concrete and Transport Salvage Inc.; he served as treasurer for many of these companies. Upon sale of the family business in 1990, he 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 22, the Ashlar Masonic Lodge Auburn and the Andy Valley Snow Gypsies.

He had many hobbies, including beekeeping at his home in Turner, making his famous maple syrup, gardening, spending family time at their camp on Little Wilson Pond in Turner, and piloting his planes, which was a favorite pasttime. 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 Gurschick of Turner; his three daughters, Colleen Bennett of Turner, Marie Hebert and husband, Ray, of Auburn, and 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; 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; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by 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.

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