Steven Turnquist, 66, of Spirit Lake, passed away on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home in Spirit Lake.
A memorial service was held on Monday, May18, 2026, at the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. There was a visitation on Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com
Steven Michael Turnquist was born on January 19, 1960, in Sundance, Wyoming. For what he referred to as his “Prince Steven” years, he was raised by his loving grandparents, Charles, Sr. and Myrtle Turnquist in Spencer, Iowa. His father, Charles Turnquist, Jr., met and married Joan (Margherio) Turnquist and the family moved out to Ventura, California. Steve’s young adulthood was shaped greatly by his time in California, the family’s eventual move back to Iowa, and his time in the United States Army.
It was love at first sight one fateful Halloween night at Sarg’s Bar, where he met his wife, Sandra (Blankenburg) Turnquist, and the two were wed on June 16, 1984. From their marriage came two daughters: Jamie, who he lovingly called his “favorite eldest daughter,” and Samantha, his “favorite youngest daughter.”
From a young age, Steve found great joy in music. His musical pursuits included many jam sessions, involvement with the local band 7-2-9, and one of his greatest joys: being “stage crew” for a number of years at the Clay County Fair.
As a man who took great pride in physical labor and a good day’s work, Steve held employment over the years, mainly in factory settings. He also worked very hard in the kitchen and loved to cook for those around him. Famous dishes included his Thanksgiving mashed potatoes, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and breakfast feasts for anyone that was around.
Later in life, Steve came to greatly enjoy the simple pleasures. He loved listening to “The 70’s with Steve Goddard” on the radio and didn’t miss many Jeopardy episodes. He spent many years in the back yard in Spirit Lake, Iowa, under the oak trees with his partner Linda. Many great years were shared along with many cups of “Jamaican Me Crazy” coffee.
Steve was an original, to say the least. He was always aware of how big the world was and how short our time is on it. He spent every morning in prayerful meditation, expressing gratitude for all he had, and that would probably be the advice he would give to live by: prayer, gratitude, and a daily multivitamin.
He is survived by his former wife, Sandra Turnquist; daughter Jamie Turnquist and granddaughters Jaelyn Turnquist and Amrielle Castro; daughter Samantha Turnquist (Jacob Wallace); sister Terri Kinstler (Kyle); and sister Enean Mattis (Garth Servis). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Jr. and Joan Turnquist; and his partner, Linda Cook.
