1931-2024
Nancy Ann Turner, 92, of Linden, daughter of James “Bert” and Helen (Wasson) Kerr, was born Dec. 17,1931, in Panora. She passed away Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, at the Community Care Center, Stuart.
Nancy was a 1949 graduate of Panora High School. Upon completion of high school, she attended Mercy Nursing school in Des Moines until her marriage to Harold Turner. Nancy and Harold began their courtship after standing up for Harold’s older brother (Forrest) and Nancy’s cousin (Barbara) at their wedding. Nancy and Harold were married the following year on Aug. 11, 1951, at the Panora United Methodist Church. Close relatives did not believe the marriage would last, as they were both so darn stubborn.
After their marriage, Nancy moved to Georgia where Harold was stationed in the Army. When Harold was assigned overseas for the Korean War, Nancy moved back to Panora to live with her folks until Harold’s return and discharge from the army. Upon Harold’s discharge, they made their home on the family farm north of Linden. Nancy loved the farm life. She could be found tending large vegetable and flower gardens in the summer and canning produce to enjoy in the winter. There were always cookies and coffee available whenever anyone stopped by. She and Harold raised purebred Hereford cattle for many years and enjoyed going to cattle sales and shows. Nancy lived 72 years on the beloved family farm.
Besides farm work, Nancy also served as a school cook in Linden for several years in the 1960s, and, later in life, she worked several more years at the nursing home in Panora.
In retirement, Nancy had several hobbies that kept her busy, her favorite being quilting. She and her husband were fond of camping with friends and spending winters in Arizona during this time. They enjoyed 20 winters in Apache Junction, where they made many friends. They also loved to host their children and grandchildren over the holidays there.
Nancy was a member of the Iowa Hereford Auxiliary and the Linden United Methodist Church.
Nancy is survived by her son, Mike Turner of Panora; daughters, Kathy (Rick) Frees of Riverside and Karen (Jeff) Kennedy of Stuart; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; and son, James.
Cremation has taken place. The family invites those who knew Nancy for an open house at the Linden Methodist Church on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, from 1-4 p.m. Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with her services.
Memorials may be directed to St. Croix Hospice.