Leo Turner, 90, Mitchell, died peacefully Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell. Funeral services were Tuesday, Jan. 12. at the Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell. Burial was in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Artesian. Visitation was Monday evening at the Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Leo Edgar Turner was born on Aug. 10, 1925 to Lydia (Carney) and Edgar Turner in Artesian. He grew up on the family farm and attended country grade school. He was a proud Army veteran, serving four years during the Korean War. On Aug. 20, 1954 he married Joyce Kleinsasser in Sundance, Wyo. They settled on a farm near Artesian and together raised six children: Dudley, Larry, Judy, Connie, Lori and Curtis.
With his brother, Melvin, and sons, Larry and Dudley, he continued to expand his parents’ farm near Artesian. This became his livelihood and family business. The farm raised crops and livestock.
Some of his hobbies in life were riding motorcycles with Melvin, boxing, hunting, fishing and farming, listening to country and polka music, following the news and weather and enjoying the company of his family. He also actively supported many charities.
He enjoyed going to dinner and movies with his close friend, Rose.
Grateful for having shared in his life are his children, Dudley and Marlene Montgomery of Rapid City, Judy Kuyper of Mitchell, Connie and David Hjelm of Woonsocket, and Lori and Steve Huff of Mitchell; his close friend, Rose Weis of Mitchell; 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Joyce; sons, Curtis and Larry; brother, Melvin; and grandchildren, Kyle and Christopher Huff.