Roger Nelson Turner, Jr.

Roger Nelson Turner, Jr. obituary, Gull Lake (Hickory Corners), MI

Roger Nelson Turner, Jr.

Roger Turner, Jr. Obituary

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

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April 29, 2020

Richard Hertzell posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2020

Lynne Greenwood planted trees.

April 27, 2020

Ray Grohowski posted to the memorial.

Richard Hertzell

April 29, 2020

Thoughts and prayers are with the Turner family during this most difficult time.

When Roger was assigned to your project for your unit you knew was in good hands.

Dick Hertzell

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Lynne Greenwood

Planted Trees

Ray Grohowski

April 27, 2020

I worked with Roger when we both were in Upjohn's Information Technology Area. He was knowledgeable in many subject areas and always very helpful. He helped me out of quite a few computer related jams.

charles rothrock

April 27, 2020

Roger and I first met when we were engineers. He was a very kind and helpful person. I enjoyed talking with Roger who held broad knowledge. In particular, I enjoyed hearing about the family train ride vacation.

Kenny Kornheiser

April 26, 2020

Roger and I worked together as a members of the Board of Directors of the Four Township Water Resources Council for many years. He was a strong environmental advocate, a man of honor, a real gentleman and a good friend.

Daniel Gabriel

April 26, 2020

Rachel, I was very sad to hear about your brother's passing. I know you will miss him.

April 26, 2020

Roddy was just one terrific Guy - every time I was around him I came away a better person - usually I also lost a Sailboat race at the same time !! Johnj Jackson

Michael Livingston

April 26, 2020

I remember Roddy from our years at Kellogg High School in Hickory Corners. WfinT8e were both in the band for all of our high school years. He was a great person. I am sorry to hear of his passing.

Greg Opdycke

April 26, 2020

I worked closely with Roger at Upjohn for years. I really liked Roger and cherished his friendship. He is one of the best people I know very smart, always willing to help, invariably upbeat, always a friend and never said a bad word about anyone. He will always remain someone very special to me.

David Rutten

April 25, 2020

We have known Roger and Jeanne since the mid-80s when Roger transferred to Upjohn's Information Technology area to help fellow company employees do their own computing. Helping people was his calling. We are most grateful to Roger for his work contributions and to he and Jeanne for their continuing friendship.

April 25, 2020

So very sorry to hear - Matt and I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Roger at Christmas parties every year and seeing him around the lake every so often throughout the year; he was so kind and so smart!
Izzy O'Brien Tracy

April 25, 2020

The news of Roddy's passing was such a shock. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. D. Farnham

April 24, 2020

Saddened to read of Roger's passing. I enjoyed working with Roger at Upjohn. His intellect was top shelf. As our children were the same age, I enjoyed following sports with him at Gull Lake. Condolences to the family.

Dennis & Wanda Hinklin
Sun City Center, Florida

Bonnie Litts

April 24, 2020

I remember him from high school. Always a very nice guy.

Deb & Tom Ryan

April 24, 2020

We have many great memories of sailing and tennis events at GLCC with Roger and Jeanne. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jeanne and his family. He will be missed.

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Sign Roger Turner, Jr.'s Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

April 29, 2020

Richard Hertzell posted to the memorial.

April 29, 2020

Lynne Greenwood planted trees.

April 27, 2020

Ray Grohowski posted to the memorial.