Michael Blaine Turner

Michael Blaine Turner of Woodbury, MN died unexpectedly of natural causes at his home on June 12, 2020 at the age of 73.

Mike was born in Crookston, MN on December 3, 1946 to Maurice Earl Turner and Helen Elizabeth (Gillie) Turner as the second of four siblings.  His childhood was spent in Red Lake Falls, Lake Lillian, and Cosmos, MN, where he attended public school, graduating from Cosmos High School in 1965. He shared a love for flight and piloting with his father, and his beloved uncle Laurence, and he could hardly drive past a small town airport without stopping to make new friends. He went on to Moorhead State University in Moorhead, MN where he earned his B.A. in Political Science in 1969.

Mike served with honor in the US Army from 1971 to 1975 and achieved the rank Specialist 5. He was proud to serve and sacrifice for his country. In his civilian life, he was employed by Gamble-Skogmo, where he met his future wife Ann Laurie Fehner of St. Paul, as well as Luverne Truck Equipment, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, and Meridian Behavioral Health. Michael was inspired to help those struggling with addiction, and saved many lives as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. On his way, he earned an additional degree from Metropolitan State University in 2004 and served for years on staff at the Ramsey County Correctional Center.

Michael and Ann married in October 1982 and had one child, Daniel Robert Turner, who survives them. Mike was known for his humor, his love and dedication to his family, and his free, untamable spirit. After Ann passed away in 2018, he enjoyed spending evenings on the St. Croix River and taking long drives in his classic Ford Thunderbird, spreading joy wherever he stopped.

In addition to his son, Mike is survived by his sisters, Maureen (Charles) Schneider of Paynesville and Jan Turner of Atwater, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Scott Turner of Ashby, MN.

Michael will be laid to rest beside Ann at Union Cemetery in Maplewood, MN.

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