Roger Nelson Turner, Jr.

Roger Nelson Turner, Jr. of Gull Lake (Hickory Corners), MI Roger Turner, beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and sailor died unexpectedly Tuesday morning, April 21, 2020 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo, MI after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, he was 75. Roger, the son of Roger Nelson and Frances S. (Stobie) Turner, was born in Chicago, IL on December 19, 1944. Moving shortly thereafter, with his family, to Battle Creek, and eventually to Gull Lake. Roger grew up on Gull Lake with his close friends and cousins. Spending his days building forts, playing sports, water skiing and sailing, the last becoming his lifelong passion. Roger attended Gull Lake schools, graduating from W.K. Kellogg Agricultural High School in 1963. Following high school, Roger represented the third generation of his family, to attend the University of Michigan. Two more generations have followed since him. At Michigan he earned a BS, MS and Ph.D. in Industrial and Operations Engineering. After graduation from Michigan in 1971, Roger moved back to the Gull Lake area with his wife Jeanne, beginning a lifelong career as an engineer for the Upjohn Company (Pfizer), retiring after 32 years of service in 2004. In retirement Roger consulted for businesses in the Kalamazoo area, served as a Township Trustee for Barry Township, and was highly active in the Gull Lake Yacht Club. Roger will be remembered for his kind heart, deep intellect, and unwavering dedication to family, friends, and community. Roger loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren, finding his greatest joy participating in their lives. Roger loved the University of Michigan and never took for granted the role it played in creating the person he was. Roger used his education and intellect to help others in need. Always available to help a person in need, his loss will not only affect his family but all the people who looked to him for advice, and support. He will be greatly missed. Roger was united in marriage to the former, Jeanne L. Meyers in Battle Creek, MI on August 10, 1968. He is survived by his wife of almost 52 years, Jeanne; two daughters, Wendy T. (Tony) Collard of Hickory Corners and Susan R. (Hayden) Thomas of Duxbury, MA; four grandchildren, Caleb A. and Zach A. Collard and Katie M. and Gavin H. Thomas and his sister, Rachel (Jim) Votruba of Fort Thomas, KY. Roger was preceded in death by his parents. Due to the current Health Crisis, a private, family visitation and a graveside service in Yorkville Cemetery were held on Saturday, April 25th. When we can gather safely again, a celebration of Roger's life will be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations will support the Department of Urology Prostate Cancer Research Fund (335755) or the IOE PhD Alumni Fund (308820) at the University of Michigan. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit the website https://donate.umich.edu/VdD20 The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Roger's family. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Roger may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com