Funeral Services for Lavern "Vern" Turner

LaVern "Vern" Turner, 91, died Sunday, July 12 in Stayton, Oregon, after a short illness. He was born in Petersburg, NE April 4, 1924. Vern grew up near Elgin, Nebraska and lived and worked on a farm. When WWII came along he enlisted in the US Navy and upon completion of his duty was honorably discharged. Vern moved to CA and was employed by the County of Los Angeles Road Dept as a Master Mechanic from 1954 until 1981, at which time he retired and moved to Mehama, OR. He purchased 6 acres that bordered the Santiam River and enjoyed working his little piece of heaven for the next 30 years. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, and socializing especially dancing the polka. Vern enjoyed traveling and had visited Israel, Egypt, Alaska and the Panama Canal on some of his trips along with several cruises. Vern was a faithful member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Elks Club and Golf Club in Stayton, OR.

Vern is survived by his daughter Patricia Turner of Montclair, CA along with two brothers: Sylvester of Eudora, AR and Edward of Cedar Rapids, IA. He is also survived by two sisters, Delores Wiehn of Carroll, IA and Darlene Roberts of Mt. Pleasant, SC; grandsons Chad Turner of Vancouver, WA and Brandon Turner of Kent, WA, great grandson Tristan.

Vern was preceded in death by his wife Jane, son Terrance Turner and grandson Matthew Turner. He was also preceded in death by his parents John and Elizabeth Turner, brothers: Johnnie, Leonard, Joseph and Julius; sisters: Betty Jo Turner, Marie Espenhover and Helen Espenhover.

Vern will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, July 17, 2015 at 11:00 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Stayton, OR. At 2:00 PM Thursday, July 23, Funeral service with rosary will be held in St. Bonaventure Church, Raeville, NE and internment will follow in St. Bonaventure Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post 229 and VFW Post 5816 of Elgin, NE.

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