Ronald Gary Turner, age 83, of Glidden, IA, passed away on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Des Moines, Iowa.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids with Pastor Kevin Evers officiating. Honorary casket bearers will be Doris Meschek, Joyce Christensen, Glen and Janet Knight, Rick and Rose Admiraal, Jeff Benson, Del and Linda Zuidema, Joe and Linda Dorn, and Steve Palmer. Burial will be in the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Visitation will be held Saturday morning from 9:30 to 10:45 A.M. at the First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids prior to the funeral service.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Coon Rapids and online condolences may be left for the family at www.dahnandwoodhouse.com
Ronald was born September 22, 1941 in Carroll County and was the son of Harold Asa and Dorothy (Bell) Turner. He attended rural school at Old Carrollton through elementary and then graduated from the Glidden Ralston High School with the Class of 1960. He then attended Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri for a short time before returning home. In August 1961, he enlisted in the Unites States Army with the 82nd Airborne Battalion. During his tour of duty, he served in Germany and was honorably discharged in August of 1964. During his time in the military, he met his future wife, Linda Knight who he lovingly called “the kid”. The couple was married on September 4, 1965 in Abilene, Kansas. They were blessed with 3 children. They made their home in the Carrollton area until 1969 when they moved 1 mile west of Ralston on an acreage. Ron was employed for the Ralston Farmers Co-op and the Scranton Farmers Co-op before working at Electrolux factory in Jefferson until he retired. He also delivered papers for the Des Moines Register for several years. He was member of First United Methodist Church in Coon Rapids. Ron also served on the Ralston City Council for several years. At the age of 72 with the help of some spiritual friends, he found a relationship with his best friend, Jesus Christ, for whom he gave credit for his forgiveness and salvation. Every morning he would be found at 5:00 a.m. studying his devotional books, reading his Bible and praying. This relationship never wavered, and he truly believed that God had a plan for him. His favorite bible verse was Jeramiah 29:11. Ronald was an avid runner and participated in several races and marathons throughout the years. He also enjoyed playing poker with his friends and attending tractor rides.
Ronald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Turner; children: Kimberly Platt (Gregg) of Glidden, Iowa, William Turner of Dodge City, Kansas, and James Turner (Kristie) of San Jose, California; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Jean Pottroff (Donald) of Glidden; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Ronald is preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Esther Knight; brothers and sister: Leroy Turner, John Turner, and Margaret Griffiths.