Thomas John Turja, age 81 of Virginia died peacefully Friday, September 15, 2023 in Essentia-St. Mary's Medical Center surrounded by is family. He was born October 14, 1941in Biwabik, the son of John and Mildred (Westurn) Turja. He married Darlene Gentile on August 29, 1961 in Virginia. Tom was employed by the City of Virginia for over 30 years, as a mechanic, a heavy equipment operator, and retired as a Foreman. He also owned a snowmobile parts business for 30+ years; and he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Tom owned many classic cars over the years and belonged to two different car clubs. He enjoyed going to weekend car shows, and has taken shelves of trophies for his cars.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years: Darlene; son: Paul Turja of Eveleth; brother-in-law: Louis (Janice) Gentile of Gilbert; sister-in-law: Claire Gentile of Eagle River, Alaska; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son: Thomas Jr.; siblings: Gene, James, and Robert Turja; brother-in-law: John Gentile; and in-laws: Orlando and Frances Gentile.

The Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m.  on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Virginia. A gathering time for family and family will begin one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place in the Calvary Cemetery.

Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .