Chester "Mike" Turner Obituary

Chester "Mike" LeRoy Turner passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND, at the age of 77. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at New Life Christian Church in Alexandria, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment and military honors will be at Geneva Cemetery immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Mike's family.

Chester "Mike" LeRoy Turner, born on June 6, 1948, in Elbow Lake, MN, passed away on July 17, 2025, at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND at the age of 77. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, known for his unwavering faith, dedication to his family, and his fellowship that touched many.

Mike was the fifth of eight children born to Milton and Mildred (Haugen) Turner. He spent his early years on the family farm in Elbow Lake until his family relocated to Alexandria in his fifth-grade year. He graduated from Jefferson Senior High School in 1966 and then pursued his education further at Central College in McPherson, KS and later at Alexandria Technical College for accounting.

His professional journey began when he enlisted in the Navy on January 9, 1968, serving with honor until his discharge in November 1971. Following his military service, Mike embarked on a career as a business manager and entered the insurance industry as an agent for Franklin Life Insurance. In addition to his insurance career, he worked in home restoration and later delivered vehicles for Transit Tec, which transported new and used buses across the country. In recent years, he drove local school bus, with the hope of positively influencing young lives.

On August 4, 1973, Mike married Ruth Elise Ljung, and they welcomed three children into their family: Jonelle, Ryan, and Melissa. Family was paramount to Mike; he relished spending time with his grandchildren and teaching them the joys of fishing. His love for fishing, gopher trapping, and active participation in AWANA enriched his life and provided chances for fellowship with friends and loved ones.

Mike enjoyed travelling with Ruth and tending to their vegetable garden together. He was as an expert key lime pie maker and will also be remembered for his lefse. Known for quickly adding numbers and engaging in lively conversations, he was a man who expressed his opinions and treasured bonds with family and friends. He made unforgettable memories, like grilling turkey and water skiing on his 75th birthday, that will forever be cherished.

He was deeply rooted in his faith and took pride in living a life that demonstrated his love for Jesus, making a noticeable impact on all who crossed his path. Mike will be remembered for his caring heart, generous spirit, and the legacy of love he leaves behind.

Mike leaves behind his devoted wife of almost 52 years, Ruth Turner; children, Jonelle (Timothy) Dickmeyer, Ryan (Cori) Turner, and Melissa (Matthew) Swenson; grandchildren, Michael and Colin Dickmeyer, Declan, Griffin, and Sullivan Turner, and Wyatt and Abigail Swenson; brothers, Robert (Edythe) Turner, Everett Turner, Gary (Kathy) Turner, and Rick (Lori) Turner; sisters, Evelyn (Lincoln) Clabo, Elaine (Robert) Balogh, and Leora (Guy) Somers; many nieces and nephews; and brothers and sisters-in-law. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister-in-law, Jean Turner.