Ralph L. Turner, 93, of Belmond, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at
the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
His wife, Genevieve E. Turner, 90, of Belmond, passed away Thursday, January 30,
2020 at the Rehabilitation Center of Belmond.
Because of Genevieve's death, Ralph's previously scheduled visitation and
graveside service have been postponed and will be combined with Genevieve's
services.
A joint graveside service for Ralph Turner and Genevieve Turner will be held at
10:30 AM on Monday, February 3, 2020 at Belmond Cemetery, Luick's Lane South in
Belmond.
A joint visitation for Ralph and Genevieve will be held on Sunday, February 2,
2020 from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 111 Luick's Lane South in
Belmond.
Ralph Luis Turner was born December 17, 1926 to Fred and Myrtle (Sanders) Turner
in Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was raised in rural Dows and Alexander, where he
attended country schools before attending and graduating from Belmond High
School with the Class of 1944.
The day following graduation, Ralph entered into active service with the United
States Navy at Naval Station Great Lakes in Illinois. From September of 1944 –
March of 1945, he served with the Naval Armed Guard Unit as a 20mm gunner aboard
the merchant ship Duncan Clinch carrying supplies across the Atlantic to Europe.
From May of 1945 – September of 1945, he served aboard the Camas Meadows
carrying fuel across the Pacific through Panama to the Philippines. He finished
his career in Guam, serving on Harbor Patrol from November of 1945 until his
honorable discharge in June of 1946.
Following his discharge from the Navy, Ralph spent a short time in Oregon before
returning to rural Dows to work for Thurmond DeNio as a mechanic.
Ralph met and married Genevieve Nelson on June 3, 1947. The couple were blessed
with three children: Larry, Randy and Kathy. The young family made their home in
Dows, eventually moving to Belmond when Ralph began working for Genevieve's
father, Oscar, at Nelson Sand and Gravel as a heavy equipment operator, until
the time of his retirement.
Ralph and Genevieve loved to travel, spending several winters in McAllen, Texas
before buying a motor home and visiting numerous states and parts of Mexico.
They also vacationed with family in Spain, Hong Kong and went on at least one
Caribbean cruise. They also traveled to many of his grandkids' and
great-grandkids' activities.
In addition to his work, Ralph enjoyed golfing, bowling and working on engines,
rebuilding and repairing equipment. He also loved hunting, fishing, working with
wood and reading, especially Westerns. He served on Belmond City Council and the
Wright County Landfill board.
Ralph is survived by his wife of 72 years, Genevieve, of Belmond; children Larry
(Nancy) Turner of Belmond; Randy (Jane) Turner of Belmond and Kathy (Bob)
Vierkant of Belmond; grandchildren Christine (fiancé Bill Smutz, Jr.) Turner of
Vinton, Iowa and her children Jay Spitler and Katelyn Spitler, Amy (Casey)
Clabaugh and their children Isabella and Kinnick, Travis "TJ" (Jodi) Turner and
their children Hailey, Easton, Madison and Allie, Angela Dehmer and her children
Grace and Gavin, Lisa (fiancé Chad Sawyer) Formanek and her children Ciera
Formanek, Jake Formanek and Mariah (Clayton) Miller and Rob (Andrea) Vierkant
and their children Sydney and Parker; one brother Chuck (Carolyn) Turner of
Mora, Minnesota; along with numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives and
friends.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents.
In lieu of customary remembrances, Ralph's family suggests memorial donations
may be directed to the Belmond Historical Society, 223 East Main Street,
Belmond, Iowa, 50421.