Obituary: John Carver Turner

October 13, 1933 ~ July 15, 2023

John Carver Turner, age 89 of Ephraim, WI, died on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at home. He was born on October 13, 1933, to the late Maurice and Alice (Lefley) Turner in Elmhurst, IL.

John graduated from York High School in Elmhurst, IL in 1951. John served our country in the United States Navy from 1955 – 1957. He graduated from the University of Illinois with his Bachelor of Agriculture in 1955 and his Master of Education in 1961. On June 16, 1956, John was united in marriage to Judith Ann Desch at St. Paul’s Union Church in Chicago, IL.

In 1944 John, his parents, and sister started visiting Door County and camping in Peninsula State Park. This began his love for Door County. In 1970 John and Judy bought a cottage in Ephraim where they spent their summers and weekends. They eventually purchased a farm in Baileys Harbor where they are currently restoring the farm buildings. John loved his tractors, especially Oliver tractors. One of his life enjoyments was volunteering. Some of which were The Clearing, The Ridges, Door County Land Trust, and The Ephraim Moravian Church. 

John is survived by his wife, Judy; son, John (Deborah) Turner; daughter, Marie (David) Strauch; grandchildren, Clayton Turner, Amy Strauch, Brian Strauch; step grandchildren, Lisa (Marc) Peschaud, Colleen Steinbraker, Corby (Dan) Wagner, and Mark (Amanda) Steinbraker; thirteen step great grandchildren. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Jane Becker, and one brother-in-law, Theodore Desch.

A memorial service for John will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at The Ephraim Moravian Church with Rev. Dawn Volpe officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s honor to: The Ephraim Moravian Church, The Door County Land Trust, or the University of Illinois.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sister Bay, WI is assisting the Turner family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of John may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.