December 31, 1938 - October 21, 2021
WESLEY, Iowa—Joan Turner died Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021, from complications of Parkinson Disease at Westview Care Center in Britt, Iowa, where she had been a resident since May 2021.
Funeral services are Monday, Oct. 25, at 1:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Corwith with Pastor Denise Lindemann officiating. Visitation is Sunday, Oct. 24, 4-7 p.m. at the church.
Joan Kay Turner was born Dec. 31, 1938, in Gray, Iowa, to Thelma Truhlar and Clarence Tessman. Joan was baptized and confirmed in Christian faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ely, Iowa. In 1957, she graduated from Wilson High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Joan Kay married Nelson Turner on June 29, 1957, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ely. The couple lived in several locations, and in 1971 relocated their family to Wesley, Iowa, where they owned and operated the Wesley Farm Store until 1983. Both were very active in the Community Club of Wesley, enjoying the planning of the 4th of July celebrations for many years. In their spare time, the couple enjoyed square dancing, camping and woodworking projects together. This summer they celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary.
She loved to spend time with her family. Quilt retreats with her daughters and friends were a special treat. She was always very interested in being updated on each family member’s life happenings. As a grandmother she enjoyed attending grandkids ball games, dance recitals and music concerts. She would ask for favorite foods when kids came home for visits, often teaching grandkids how to make homemade biscuits and the traditional Christmas pfeffernusse.
Joan learned how to sew at age nine and for many years made clothing for herself and her family. She taught each of her kids and some of her grandchildren how to sew. In later years, Joan enjoyed making quilts and received several ribbons at the Hancock County Fair for her entries. She co-founded the local quilt club in Britt. Her sewing talents led her to be hired by others for clothing alterations, upholstery jobs and several T-shirt quilts for graduates. In her spare time she enjoyed jazz music, reading and participating in Britt’s book club, as well as gardening and becoming a Master Gardener through Iowa State Extension.
Joan worked various jobs through the years including at Singer Sewing Machine, Hoods Grocery Store, Winnebago Stitch Craft, Gold-Eagle Co-op and Britt Food Center. She volunteered as a 4-H leader with her girls, served on the boards of the Armstrong House and the Hancock County Ag Museum, and served in various capacities at St. John’s Lutheran Church including president of Church Council. She was also secretary, vice president and treasurer of the Western Iowa Synod Women’s Organization.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, sons-in-law Calvin Rummens and James McLennan, and one niece Terri (Tessman) Duncan.
Joan is survived by her devoted husband, Nelson; children: Lucy McLennan (J.R. Clark) of Hurley, Wis; Sharon (Michael) Mulvihill of Seattle, Wash.; Glen (Pamela) Turner of Walnut, Ill.; Wayne (Lesley) Turner of Garner, Iowa; 11 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and brother John (Jean) Tessman of Riverside, Mo.
Ewing Funeral Chapel, Britt, is in charge of arrangements.