John Mark Tuerk, 81, of Owatonna, died Friday, April 24, 2020 at Pine Haven Nursing Home. He was born June 12, 1938 in Owatonna the son of Elmer and Hazel (Paulson) Tuerk. As a child, John spent as much time as he could with his Grandpa John Ludwig Tuerk. He thought the world of his Grandpa, who would leave a candy bar on the windowsill for him each day. John graduated from Owatonna High School in 1956. Following high school, he served in the Army National Guard and farmed with his family. John married Sharon Mussman on September 5, 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church in Owatonna. The couple lived on his family farm and John became the 4th generation on the farm. John enjoyed raising livestock, growing crops and maintaining the family farm. He served on the Somerset Township Board and the Steele Center Cemetery Board. John was a member of St. John Lutheran Church. As a young man, John played softball for the Steele Center Stingers. He enjoyed fishing, spearing, deer hunting, time outdoors, John Deere tractors and dancing with Sharon. In his later years, he loved to read, watch the activities on the farm and spend time with his family. He especially loved gathering everyone at the farm for family picnics. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sharon Tuerk of Owatonna; daughters, Brenda (and Geoff) Olmscheid of Mankato, Linda (and Mark) Buermann of Prior Lake, Lori (and Mark) Ingalls of Pine Island; son, John L. Tuerk of Owatonna; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brother, Burnett (and Nancy) Tuerk of Owatonna and two nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Tamara. Private family services will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday April 27, 2020 with Pastor Dave Klawiter officiating. Interment will be in the Steele Center Cemetery. Memorial services open to the public will be held on a later date. Please visit michaelsonfuneral.com to view John's obituary which will have service details updated weekly on Mondays.