James Turner

Survivors include his wife, Lauretta, one son, Randall (Michelle) Turner of Maquoketa, IA, one daughter, Lynette (John) Ostwinkle of Dyersville, 4 granddaughters, 3 great granddaughters and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one granddaughter, Shakira Suri Ostwinkle, 2 brothers and 1 sister. Jim was born on August 14, 1923 in Blairstown, Iowa, the son of Charles and Fanny (Rieke) Turner. He graduated from Oxford Junction High School where he excelled in baseball & basketball. After marriage to Lauretta Hoyer on September 24, 1949 in Lost Nation, Iowa, they began farming until 1955. After 21 years of truck driving, they moved to Minn, where he worked with his son. In 1985 they moved to Rochester, New York and then to Dyersville in the spring of 1997. Jim took pleasure in the simple things. He enjoyed mowing lawn on his John Deere tractor, watching neighboring farmers take care of their crops each season, birds feeding, or just the antics of cats & dogs. Jim had a bright warm smile for all and was always eager to share a good story. He was also a terrific "fix it man", and could always come up with a solution for any repair. He loved to work with wood and spend time in his workshop. Jim was an active member of Jehovah's Witnesses since 1953 and was always ready to volunteer whenever needed. One of Jim's greatest enjoyments was being able to share his faith and love of the Bible with others. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred in Jim's memory.