ROONEY – Rev. Bernard Turk Rooney C.Ss.R., aged 75 of Grand Rapids Michigan passed away at his home at Saint Alphonsus Rectory August 25 2008. Turk had three loves in life: his faith his family and his friends. His greatest joy in life was being a Redemptorist priest. His love for his family his twin sister Toots her husband and children knew no bounds. And of course his extended family the Saint Alphonsus Parish which was his home and safe haven providing him constant love and support. Numerous relatives the Rooneys Malewitzs and others too numerous to mention were so important in his life. His list of friends were endless including fellow priests local golf buddies and Senior Tour players across the country. Turk would begin Senior Golf Tour events with Mass and lead prayer services throughout the tournaments. Turk absolutely loved the game of golf and played until the last years of his life. He was a fixture in the Catholic community at countless activities and outings and was recently inducted into the West Catholic Hall of Fame. His Christmas card list was so extensive he started writing and addressing envelopes before Thanksgiving. Holidays were often spent in Traverse City including the celebration of Christmas Mass at his sisters home. Turk attended Mt. Mercy and St. Alphonsus Schools. He became a Redemptorist in 1954 and was ordained a priest on July 2 1959. Turk was a gifted preacher taught at the Redemptorist Seminary and was an active Redemptorist Missionary working in parishes throughout the country. He served as Associate Pastor at St. Alphonsus Church from 1985- 2007. Turk announced his retirement June 16 2007. He was preceded in death by his father and mother George and Helen Rooney. He is survived by his loving twin sister Bernadette Toots (William) McGee of Traverse City; nieces and nephews Kathy (McGee) Cecchi Kevin McGee Kieran (Kevin Shafer) McGee Patty (Mike) Martin Dan (Janet) McGee Mary (Fran) Cullen Tom (Barb) McGee John McGee Bill (Staci) McGee; 17 great-nieces and nephews and 1 great-grand-nephew. Visitation will be August 27 from 5:00-8:30 PM at St. Alphonsus Church 224 Carrier St., NE and August 28 from 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM with a Wake Service to take place at 8:00 PM led by Rev. Thomas Danielson C.Ss.R. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered August 29 at 11:00AM at St. Alphonsus Church with Turks dear friends Rev. Thomas Donaldson C.Ss.R., Rev. Thomas Danielson C.Ss.R. and Rev. Denis Ryan C.Ss.R., presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in memory of Fr. Turk may be made to St. Alphonsus Capital Campaign 228 Carrier St. NE Grand Rapids M I 49505.
