Leslie "Les" Roy Turner

Leslie “Les” Roy Turner, 88, of St. Ansgar died Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, Iowa. Leslie Roy Turner was born on February 2, 1936, to James Leslie and Frances Mabel Medders Turner in rural Butler County, Iowa. He received his early education in a Country School, in Bulter County and graduated from Plainfield High School in 1954. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Lois Larsen on June 8, 1957, at Salem Reform Church parsonage in Little Rock, Iowa. After their wedding in Little Rock, Kathy's hometown, the couple moved to Cedar Falls where Les attended the Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa) to complete his education degree. While in Cedar Falls, the couple was blessed with their first child, Laurene K. Turner. Employment with the Osage Community School District brought the family to Osage, where two more children, Rodney and Raymond, were born. The Turners lived in the Osage and Little Cedar area until 1967, when they moved to Hawkeye, Iowa, in order for Kathy to complete her bachelor's degree at Upper Iowa University. In 1969, both Les and Kathy obtained teaching positions with the St. Ansgar School District, where he was both a Mathematics teacher and later, after obtaining his Master’s degree, a Principal for Grafton Middle School. In his off time he and his family ran a Christmas Tree Farm for a number of years. Les was a Steward of the Land; he was a lifetime lover of the outdoors, and he spent most of his days working on his garden, taking care of his acreage, and tending to his walnut grove. He had a deep love for reading. He was known to read several books a week. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, when he had the time. Les, along with his late wife Kathryn, were avid supporters of the Iowa Hawkeyes, and regardless of the sport, always caught as much of the action as they could. He was a longtime Member of the United Methodist Church, where he volunteered every Thursday for their Community Breakfast. Which he thoroughly enjoyed even after he was unable to continue volunteering. Les always made time to meet with his friends on Tuesdays for coffee, and treats. On Fridays Les enjoyed attending Lee Boerjon’s noon-time meal; where his scalloped corn was legendary. Les was an animal lover, he loved several dogs over his life, namely Boots and Sammy. In recent years, Les was adopted by a stray kitten, who was named Shadow for her tendency to follow him everywhere. He always said that he knew she was female because of her demand for attention; which he gave to her in abundance. Les is survived by two sons, Rod (Tish) of St. Ansgar and Ray of Charles City; two granddaughters Chelsea (Cort) Aherns of Toledo, Iowa, and Bailey Turner of St. Ansgar; two great granddaughters, Anna and Kathryn Ahrens; brother-in-laws James Boelman and David Young. Along with numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Les is preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Turner; daughter Laurene Turner; brother Walter Turner; sisters Florence “Flo” Fisher, Edee Boelman and Joyce “Joy” Young; parents James and Frances Turner. Memorial Services for Les will be on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church in St. Ansgar, IA. Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 7 from 5 until 8 at Schroeder-Hoff Funeral Homes, St. Ansgar. Interment will take place at Little Cedar Cemetery. Schroeder-Hoff Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.