"I worked with Leona at GSHS many years ago. She was a lovely person, always positive, cheerful, a good supervisor. I really enjoyed working with her. "
In loving memory of
Leona V. Turner
June 13, 2009
Leona V. Turner, the third of five children born to Oscar Albert Leu and Louise Olga (Menschel) Leu, was born February 14, 1918 at her parent's farm home northeast of Malvern, Iowa. She was baptized, later confirmed and became a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church at rural Hastings, Iowa. Leona attended country school at Golden Hill School through the eighth grade and later received her GED High School diploma on May 14, 1979.
Leona and Mervin Edward Turner were united in marriage at St. John's Lutheran parsonage on October 10, 1940. They lived in Hastings, Iowa and later made their home in Malvern. They spent 28 happy years together and were blessed with five children, Ronald Lee, Rosalie Kay, Sharon Jean, Geraldine Ann, and Lynn Mervin. Mervin passed away on May 4, 1968, at the age of 59 years.
Leona was first employed by the Hastings Public School as a cook and then served as a supervisor at the Continent Egg Plant in Malvern. She later was a supervisor in the food service department at the Glenwood State Hospital School until her retirement in December of 1982. Leona continued to live in her home and remain active in her church. She thoroughly enjoyed her family and weeklong reunions held once a year. She loved to play games.
Leona fell in her home in 2006 and was unable to return home. She eventually moved to the Huntington Park Care Center in Papillion, Nebraska where surrounded by family members, went to be with her Savior on June 13, 2009. She had attained the age of 91 years, 3 months, and 29 days.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband; brother Robert Leu and wife Gertrude; sister Esther Raszler and husband Leo; brothers-in-law, Lowell Mooney, Kenneth Grindle, Orville Turner and wife Ethel, Max Turner, Ned Turner, and sister-in-law, Leafy Leader and husband John.
She is survived by her five children, Ronald Turner of Thornton, CO, Rose McMillen and husband Lowell of Westminister, CA, Sharon Larson and husband Jon of Columbia, MO, Geri Mann and husband Craig of Yorkville, IL, and Lynn Turner of Malvern; nine grandchildren, Ross and Brad Turner, Ted McMillen and wife Rose, Jill Karp and husband Tim, Chris Larson and wife Kelly, Ben Larson, Mike Mann and wife Andrea, Dave Mann and wife Jennifer, Joe Mann and wife Megan; ten great grandchildren, Taryn and Mason McMillen, Connor Doyle, Max and Lily Larson, and Clayton, Lily, Mckenzie, Jacob, and Aiden Mann; sisters, Margaret Mooney of Shenandoah, IA and Elizabeth Grindle of Malvern; sisters-in-law, Harriet Turner of Red Oak, IA and Eloise Turner of Papillion, NE; and a host of extended family, nieces and nephews, and friends.
"Mom exhibited courage and faith all of her life. She was an inspiration to all with whom she came in contact. She always maintained a positive attitude and a great sense of humor."
A memorial fund has been established.
Interment in Malvern Cemetery.
Tributes
"Our prayers are with all of you as you grieve the loss of your mother. We didn't have the priveledge in knowing her but the great stories told by Geri gives us a good picture of her strength and joyful spirit despite hardship. That is a great legacy to leave to her children, granchildren and great grand children. We are sorry for your loss. Brian and Cindy Lucca Joliet, Il"
"Leona was a great person she always was laughing and had a lot of jokes to tell at Margaret Mooney's house. We had a great time with her and she will greatly be missed. God Bless Margaret Carolyn and Kindra Love Stephanie McGinnis"
"Joyce Lindsey and I just read about the passing of Leona and I want to express my sincere condolances and love to your entire family. I remember all of you well from when we lived in Hastings. I remember our house was right across the street from yours, and our little corner there was a gathering place for all the kids to play. My mother is 91 also, and it's so sad to see this generation is slowly leaving us. Leona always seemed like such a strong woman and devoted mother and I'm so sorry for your loss. May God be with you. Sharyn Williams Student and Irene Parker. "