Dr. Kenneth E. Turner

Dr. Kenneth E. Turner

Dr. Kenneth E. Turner 79, of Central Lake, Mich., died March 25, 2004 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Mich.

He was born April 13, 1924 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, the son of Elmore and Lily (Lawrence) Turner.

He was a graduate of the University of Detroit and the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, and interned in Traverse City in 1953. Dr. Turner practiced in Central Lake for 24 years followed by another 24 years of practice in Lusk, Wyo. He had been the school sports team physician for both communities for many years. Also while practicing in Lusk he served as the Women's Correctional Facility physician and the Chicago Northwestern Railroad physician. He then retired and returned to Central Lake.

As a young man he entered the Army Air Corp and served with the 12th Air Force stationed in Italy and Corsica during WWII. He was a highly decorated First Lieutenant, having flown 74 missions in the European theater as a bombardier navigator. He retained his passion for flying as a private pilot and also held a great love for hunting, fishing and golfing, enjoying many trips to Beaver Island.

He was a member of the First Congregational Church both in Central Lake and Lusk. He was also a member of the Central Lake Masonic Lodge, the Torch Post VFW #6985 and the Order of the Elks. He served on the Central Lake Public School Board for 11 years.

In 1951 he married Ruth M. (Lantta) who preceded him in death in 1967. Also preceding him in death were a daughter Claudia Reid Hickman in 1993, a brother William L. Turner in 1997 and his parents.

On February 17, 1968 in Central Lake, he married Joyce M. (Wallick) Reid who survives him. Also surviving are five daughters, Kathleen (Joe Ross) Turner of Topeka, Kan.; Diane (Denny) YoungDyke of Gaylord; Luann (Michael) Bensinger of Midland; Beth (Moose) Bentley of Laramie, Wyo.; Laura (Phil) Reid Edwards of Atwood; a son-in-law Alan (Cindy) Hickman of Central Lake; seven grandchildren, Stuart and Emily Hickman; Drew and Kellen YoungDyke; Megan Bensinger; Elizabeth and Leann Bentley and a special niece Janet (Doug) Caporale of Oxford.

Funeral services were held March 30, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, with Rev. Daniel Clark officiating. Interment followed in the Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Twp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Niobrara Health and Life Center.

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