Lowell Reuben Turner

Lowell R. Turner 12/03/1926-05/20/2023 At age 18 Lowell Rueben Turner had built a barn with round rafters almost all by himself. By age 20 the Erickson brothers had hired him to build the first Holiday gas station in Wisconsin. If you took a ride around the Twin Cities with Lowell, he would point out buildings that he had constructed or remodeled. Like the Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr. home in Edina. Or commercial jobs where he gained the reputation as a meticulous superintendent. However, Lowell was most proud of his family. Mention Joyce, his loving wife, and their four girls and a grin would grow across his face. Sometimes he couldn't hold back tears of joy as he would recount all the special times they shared together. Lowell was born in the same farmhouse as his dad near Shafer, MN, on December 3, 1926. He was 96 when he died on May 20, 2023. His mother and father, Myrna and Reuben Turner, were farmers. They later moved to Center City where Lowell's dad managed a gas station that became a Holiday store. Lowell learned the value of hard work at a young age. He was taught the importance of lending a helping hand wherever it was needed. That trait followed him his entire life. Lowell graduated Lindstrom-Center City High School in 1944. His health prevented him from serving in the military-it took three failed physicals before he gave up trying. When the war ended Lowell's career as a master carpenter began. That's when he helped build the first Wisconsin Holiday station in St. Croix Falls. During this project he teamed with two master carpenters--Albert Moon and Hawkin Faanes. Although they only worked together for a short time, Lowell credited them with teaching him the fundamentals to building. They also introduced him to the Carpenter's Union where he was a member for 76 years. To further his skills, Lowell attended Dunwoody College of Technology at night to learn how to interpret a blueprint and estimate building costs. He and his ever-present slide rule became recognized as one of the Twin Cities' top building construction superintendents. Lowell met Joyce at a dance and two years later they married. They continued as life and dance partners for 67 loving years. Most Saturday nights were spent at Medina Ballroom dancing until the last song played. They lived in Plymouth almost their entire married lives until late 2017 when they moved to Summit Place and then Lowell relocated to Eden Prairie Senior Living in Eden Prairie. Lowell lived for family adventures. Every Christmas they pulled a trailer to Florida, or California, even Mexico to experience three weeks of time together, warm weather and relaxation. Lowell customized the trailer so that it slept six "comfortably". These trips created lifetime memories that are recalled every time the family gathers. In the summer there were family canoe trips down Nine Mile or Minnehaha creeks. Or get aways to lakes in northern Minnesota. Following his retirement Lowell and Joyce traveled to his homeland of Sweden, plus Norway and Denmark. And they wouldn't miss their annual trips to Branson, Mo, to hear their favorite country western entertainers. Lowell loved to sing. He was a member of the Zuhrah Shrine Chanters who competed against other Chanters from across the nation. More than once they "won the gold" for their accomplished performances. He was a Mason for 71 years, a Shriner for 40 years, as well as the Scottish Rite. Lowell was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley for 49 years. On Sunday mornings he would brave the cold to help direct traffic in and out of services. His master carpentry skills are found throughout the church, including the sanctuary and education wing. He helped several Calvary pastors fix up their homes. He joked that at least one pastor paid him with frozen pheasants. Lowell is preceded in death by his wife Joyce. He is survived by four daughters and their spouses, Jan Eide (Jerry), Diane Schultz (Scott), Darlene Otten (Elmer), Dawn Kelly (Chuck), 6 amazing grandchildren and their spouses and 10 great grandchildren. Per Lowell's request they will be named! Grandchildren: Jill (Schultz) Hartl (Jason), Josh Leuer (Christy), Jenna (Schultz) Papes (Rob), Joe Leuer (Tiya), Jon Leuer (Kellie), Kenny Leuer (Brianna). Great grandchildren: Keller Hartl, Brannon Hartl, Logan Leuer, Levi Leuer, Lofton Leuer, Tayden Leuer, Ayla Leuer, Mila Papes, Jeremiah Leuer, Leon Leuer, Kinsley Leuer, Kaenen Leuer. He is also survived by sister-in-law Patricia Turner, along with many loving nieces and nephews. Lowell's brother Jim proceeded him in death. In lieu of flowers, the family will contribute all memorials to the M Health Fairview Masonic Children's Hospital Greatest Needs Fund. The memorial service will be Friday, July 21, 2023, 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church, 7520 Golden Valley Road, Golden Valley, in the chapel. Visitation is at 10:30 a.m. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. The burial of Lowell and Joyce will occur that afternoon at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church, Center City, MN. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Lowell Reuben Turner

December 3, 1926 - May 20, 2023

Tributes

Lowell Reuben Turner

December 3, 1926 - May 20, 2023

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