The National Association of the Deaf (NAD) mourns the passing of Frank Robert Turk, Sr., a visionary leader in Deaf youth education and leadership who dedicated his life to empowering generations of young Deaf individuals. Frank, 95, his wife, Marlene, 89, and their beloved miniature schnauzer, Jenny, tragically passed away on March 13, 2025, at their home in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The three are pictured below.
Lifelong Devotion to Deaf Youth Leadership
Born on September 22, 1929, in Hibbing, Minnesota, Frank R. Turk, Sr. lost his hearing at the age of four due to spinal meningitis. He attended the Minnesota School for the Deaf in Faribault, graduating in 1947. He then pursued higher education at Gallaudet University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952, where he began shaping his lifelong commitment to Deaf youth. Continuing his academic journey, Frank earned a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1969 and an Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Student Development from American University in 1983.
Frank’s professional journey began at Gallaudet University, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the educational experiences of Deaf students. He served at Gallaudet from 1952 to 1989 and later returned from 2008 to 2009. Over the years, he held various positions, including teacher at Kendall School, faculty member, Dean of Men for the Preparatory Program, Youth Relations Director for the Alumni/Public Relations Office, and multiple deanships. One of his lasting contributions was developing the paraprofessional programs in Student Affairs, which continue to thrive today.
From 1989 to 1991, Frank served as Superintendent of the South Dakota School for the Deaf. He then became the State Director of the North Carolina Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DSDHH) from 1991 to 1999, overseeing the North Carolina Schools for the Deaf in Greensboro, Morganton, and Wilson. Following that, he joined Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) in South Dakota, where he spent a decade advancing Deaf youth initiatives, including the National Middlers Leadership and Literacy Camp (NMLLC) sessions at Camp Lakodia. Through his leadership at Gallaudet, NC DSDHH, CSD, and other organizations, Frank empowered people of all ages. Throughout his career, he remained a passionate advocate for Deaf youth, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.
Beyond his professional contributions, Frank was involved in volunteer work, particularly in developing future Deaf leaders. His early commitment to nurturing youth led him to become the National Director of Junior NAD (1966–1980). In 1968, Frank, supported by Gary Olsen, founded the NAD Youth Leadership Camp (YLC)—a pioneering four-week summer program that has since shaped over 3,000 Deaf youth into strong, confident leaders. Under Frank’s leadership, YLC grew into a legacy-building program that inspired self-identity, leadership skills, and community involvement among Deaf high school students.
The first YLC session took place in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1969, with 64 freshmen and sophomores attending. The program focused on scholarship, leadership, and citizenship, with immersive experiences such as “around-the-clock bull sessions” featuring Deaf leaders such as Jack Gannon, Robert Panara, and David Peikoff. These discussions became a defining tradition at YLC, fostering intellectual curiosity and personal growth.
The “Scholarship, Leadership, and Citizenship” motto of Junior NAD and YLC was established at the founding of Junior NAD in 1966 and carried over into the creation of YLC in 1969. The motto has remained a core philosophy of both programs ever since.
Following this early success, Frank and Don Padden secured a permanent home for YLC in 1970 at Swan Lake Lodge in Minnesota, expanding the camp into a two-session summer program that flourished for two decades. However, in 1989, the campgrounds no longer met health and safety regulations, forcing a relocation. In 1990, the YLC found a new home at Camp Taloali in Stayton, Oregon—a Deaf-owned and operated site, reinforcing the program’s commitment to Deaf self-sufficiency. Pictured below are Gary, Frank and Don.
Frank’s influence reached beyond camp programming, ensuring YLC adapted to changing times, including the incorporation of outdoor survival training. In 2003, after Camp Taloali’s facilities were damaged by a storm and administrators decided to implement a year-round program that did not include YLC, the NAD moved the camp to Camp Lakodia in Madison, South Dakota. The following year, due to a scheduling conflict, YLC temporarily relocated to Sertoma Camp Endeavor in Dundee, Florida. In 2005, YLC returned to Camp Taloali, where it continues to this day.
YLC traditions such as The Daily Drum newsletter, Camp Council, Fireside Chats, and the Camp Bowl became pillars of the program, solidifying its role as an incubator for Deaf youth leadership. Today, over 3,000 alumni of YLC have gone on to become community leaders, educators, and advocates—many citing Frank as their greatest mentor and source of inspiration.
Frank R. Turk’s book, “From Oaks to Acorns: Promoting Deaf Youth Leadership Through Multigenerational Engagement,” delves into the history of the Deaf youth movement, particularly focusing on the Junior NAD and Youth Leadership Camp programs. It offers insights into fostering leadership among Deaf youth through intergenerational involvement.
“Leadership means developing others as part of the process of self-development. A person is not a leader unless they are developing more leaders.” – Dr. Frank R. Turk
Dedication to Family and Community
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Frank was a devoted father, husband, and mentor. He was first married to Bernice (Barlow) Turk, with whom he had three children: Marianne Turk Doremus, Frank Turk Jr., and Michael Turk. He later married Marilyn (Zahrbock) Grenell Turk, and in his later years, he wed Marlene (Hestness) Wagner Turk. Each of his spouses played a meaningful role in his life, sharing in his deep commitment to the Deaf community.
Marlene was a proud graduate of the Iowa School for the Deaf and dedicated her time and energy to the Nebraska School for the Deaf, the Nebraska Association of the Deaf, and the Omaha Association of the Deaf, actively supporting and advocating for the Deaf community.
Frank’s love for his extended family also embraced the many young people he mentored over the years. His impact reached far beyond his biological family—he became a father figure to thousands of young Deaf leaders, many of whom credit him with shaping their personal and professional journeys. Pictured below are Frank and Marlene wearing YLC-branded sweatshirts.
Even in his later years, Frank remained deeply engaged in the Deaf community, attending biennial NAD conferences, reconnecting with YLC alumni, and championing Deaf youth leadership programs across the nation. Until his passing, he served as a Board Member of the YLC Alumni Foundation, firmly believing in the power of self-advocacy, education, and leadership. His dedication helped ensure that future generations of Deaf individuals had the opportunities and support to thrive.
Honoring His Legacy for Generations to Come
“Dr. Frank R. Turk, Sr., was more than a leader—he was a force of nature. His passion for mentoring Deaf youth ignited a spark in thousands, empowering them to become the leaders they never imagined they could be. His legacy isn’t just remembered; it lives on in every Deaf individual he inspired to dream bigger and lead with confidence. On behalf of the National Association of the Deaf, we extend our deepest condolences to his extended family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. His impact on the Deaf community is immeasurable, and we are committed to ensuring that his vision and dedication to Deaf youth leadership continue to thrive for generations to come.” —Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins, NAD Interim Chief Executive Officer
To honor his lifelong dedication, the NAD established the Frank R. Turk Leadership and Scholarship Fund in 2015 to provide YLC scholarships for Deaf youth, ensuring that his legacy of mentorship endures. Additionally, the NAD Youth Leadership Fund sustains a range of youth programs and initiatives that Frank passionately championed throughout his life. Donations in his memory will help carry forward his vision and empower future generations of Deaf leaders. To make a contribution, please visit: https://www.nad.org/donate/.
The family will share details of a forthcoming celebration of Frank’s life at a later date, providing an opportunity for friends, colleagues, and loved ones to come together and honor his legacy.