A funeral service for Jerry Turner will be held Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:30 AM, at First Presbyterian Church in Spirit Lake,with burial at Okoboji Cemetery. Visitation for Jerry will be held Wednesday, December 20th,from 4:00-6:00 PM, at Turner Jenness Funeral Home in Spirit Lake.
Jerry Gene Turner, son of Cecil and Clara (Steele) Turner, was born on October 2, 1940, in Bauxite, Arkansas. He passed away peacefully on December 15, 2023, at the age of eighty-three, at Accura Healthcare in Spirit Lake, Iowa.
Jerry’s educational journey took him through Abraham Lincoln School in Council Bluffs, where he graduated in 1958. He pursued higher education at Iowa State University and the University of Nebraska in Omaha before obtaining a Mortuary Science Degree from the Dallas Institute in 1962. Jerry worked at Cutler Funeral Home in Council Bluffs while attending college and remained there until 1965 when he continued his career with Powers Funeral Home in Rolfe, Iowa. Jerry later made a significant decision to purchase Leyson and Donovan Funeral Homes, subsequently becoming Turner Funeral Home in the Lakes area. His profound dedication to serving families during their most challenging times was evident through his gentle, caring, and comforting demeanor. Jerry wasn’t just a funeral director; he was a beacon of support for his community.
Jerry was married to Janet (Kennett) in 1961 and they had two children, Philip and Lynnette. He was later married to Jan (Dannatt) in 1981 and he welcomed two daughters, Tara and Jody. An avid enthusiast of ham radio in his earlier years, Jerry made connections worldwide. He enjoyed traveling, having visited nearly all states as well as multiple countries. Fishing held a special place in his heart and he later enjoyed sharing that joy with grandchildren.
Beyond his professional life, Jerry was deeply engaged in various community activities. He was a past member of the Dickinson County Conservation Board and served as Secretary of the Iowa Funeral Director’s Association. His involvement extended to service in organizations such as Gideons International, Kiwanis, Rotary, the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital Advisory Board, as well as Milford Housing.
Jerry’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, evident through his roles as a trustee, deacon, Sunday school teacher, prison ministry and his involvement in leading Bible studies at the churches he attended. His compassion and commitment to his community were also seen in his support for the Lakes area Christian Radio, KJIA.
In 2017, Jerry was married to Aleene Worrick in Lake Park, Iowa. Jerry and Aleene made their home in Spirit Lake where they enjoyed time together and cared for one another very deeply.
Jerry will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Aleene Turner; his children, Philip Turner of Atlanta, Georgia; Lynnette Steele (Mallory) of Westminster, Colorado; Tara (Willy) Rabenberg of Spencer, Iowa; and Jody (Greg) Jenness of Spirit Lake, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Brianne Redfern, Jordan Turner, Jacob Jenness (Miranda), Tyler Jenness, Ben Rabenberg (Annaka), Kailee Jenness, Sam Rabenberg, Emma Jenness and Walker Rabenberg; and three great-grandchildren, Chelsea Redfern, Remi Jenness and Margo Jenness. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Hall of Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Turner Jenness Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jerry has faithfully served families in our community over many years at Turner Funeral Home.
