Earl J. Turner

Born: June 8, 1913; in McHenry

Died: Feb. 18, 2008; in New Holstein, Wis.

He took an interest in all of his grandchildren's activities



ARLINGTON - Earl J. Turner, 94, of Arlington, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at Willowdale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in New Holstein, Wis.

He was born June 8, 1913, in McHenry, to Russell and Gertrude (Herbes) Turner. On March 14, 1932, he married Helen Schaefer.

They lived in several McHenry County communities from the 1930s to the 1960s, including Johnsburg, Ringwood, rural Alden-Hebron and Harvard. During this time, he worked in the building trades, which he learned from his uncle Henry Krepel.

For many years, he was employed by Frett Construction. He was superintendent of the job when Frett Construction built Edgebrook Elementary School. He maintained that position when he went to work for Potter Construction, where he also supervised the building of several other schools. This led to employment as a superintendent for Bank Building Corporation of America. This position required him to travel, as it led to projects in 11 states. In 1974, Bank Building featured him in an article "Bank Building VIP's" in its company magazine.

Later that year, he retired and settled in Arlington. He lived there until a fall in January led to his residence at Willowdale.

"Grandpa" will be remembered as a well-loved, great storyteller. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, and training dogs, especially coon hounds for field trails. He always took pride in his garden.

He also loved to play cards and was an avid Bears and White Sox fan. He took an interest in all of his grandchildren's activities. He will be missed very much by his family and his neighbors, who were like family to him.

Survivors include a son, Arlyn (Avis) Turner of South Beloit; two daughters, Elaine (Harold) Schmitt of Johnsburg and Joyce Blackburn of Dubuque, Iowa; 22 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, including his caregiver and companion, Alan Blackburn Jr.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, on Feb. 14, 1988; two sons, infant Roy and 11-year-old Earl Jr.; a daughter, Marilyn Blackburn; two sons-in-law, Raymond Blackburn and David Blackburn; three grandsons, David Blackburn, Alan Blackburn and Phil Blackburn; three great-grandsons, Greg Blackburn, Michael Griffith and Nicholas Blackburn; four sisters, infant twin girls, Norma Hirshberg and Jaunita Anderson; and four brothers, William, Harold, Lloyd and Arlyn, who was killed in World War II.

The visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the funeral blessing at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at George R. Justen & Son Funeral Home, 3519 W. Elm St., McHenry. The Rev. Gerald Watt will officiate.

Interment will be in St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Johnsburg.

In lieu of flowers, Masses may be offered on his behalf, or memorials may be made to St. John's Stained Glass Window Restoration Project, 2302 N. Church St., Johnsburg, IL 60051.

Friends and family may send the family an online condolence at www.justenfh.com.

For information, call the funeral home at 815-385-2400.

Sign the guest book at www. NWHerald.com/obits