Martin Turney

Martin Michael Turney, 80, began his journey home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at his home in Pierre, SD.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, November 3, 2025 at Lucas Cemetery in Burke, SD.
Martin was born March 20, 1945 in Burke, SD, to Dello Halsted and Marie (Reetz) Turney.
He attended a one room country school where his mother was his teacher for several years. He graduated from Colome High School. For a number of years Martin farmed and ranched with his father and brother. Later he became a long-haul truck driver, a career he enjoyed until just a few years before his death.
Martin first married Juli Ann Johnson in Winner, SD, and together they welcomed three children into the world: Wesley, Troy, and Tanya. His heart expanded further when he married Sonja Ponca, and they had five children: Deanna, Samuel, Anna Marie, Kimberly, and Morgan. Martin also embraced the role of step-dad to Bernice and Jenny, rounding out a large, vibrant family that was the cornerstone of his existence.
An avid reader, Martin possessed an impressive knowledge of history, often sharing stories and facts with those around him. He also had a love for the outdoors and hunting. Martin's skill as a poker player was well-known among friends and family.
Above all, Martin was a family man. Generosity was his hallmark; he was known for his kindness and willingness to help others, particularly his children and grandchildren, whom he adored. His legacy is one of love and support, remembered for the twenty-dollar bills he would hand out, the times he took them out for meals, the care he took to ensure his family had good tires and timely oil changes. His presence was a source of fun and joy, making him a beloved dad and grandpa.
He is survived by his children: Wesley (Elaine Kennedy) Turney, Troy (Leanne) Turney, Tanya Turney, Deanna (Blake) Rose, Samuel (Janessa) Turney, Anna Marie Turney, Kimberly (Patrick) Pesicka, Morgan Turney, his step-daughters Bernice and Jenny Ponca, his 21 grandchildren: Kelly Turney, Tracy Turney, Whitney (Arlena Janis) Turney, Lizzibeth Turney, Dustin Knight Pipe, Nick Turney, Hannah Turney, Persephani Rose, Micah Rose, Calliope Rose, Victoria Parsons, Dominic Parsons, Sterling Parsons, Westyn Pesicka, Dylan Pesicka, DavyLynn Pesicka, Luna Walsh, Meranda Boe, Lexus (Darwin) Brunko, Jenna Boe and Daeton Boe and numerous great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Colleen Hansen Hanna and Sandra Addy and numerous nieces and nephews.
Martin was preceded in death by his parents, sister Nancy Hanson and brother Samuel Turney.