Richard Turnquist
June 24, 2014
Richard Nels Turnquist died June 24, 2014.
Nels was a lifetime resident of Des Moines, born October 27, 1937 to Al and Gladys Turnquist. He was the oldest son with siblings: Marilyn (Dale) Koestler, Sharon (Don) Gustafson, Jerry (Aida) LeMar, and Sharilyn(Tim) Nodsle.
Married to the love of his life, Marjorie Ann Schlieper, June 26, 1960, they made their marriage about improving the lives of their family and community. This family, of 54 years, included children: Suzanne (Kendall, Kate) Hicks, Jennifer (Ron, Bailey, Chris, Claire, and Sarah) Hanson, Ric (Steve Wernimont, Jasmine, Bryan and A.J.) Turnquist, Todd Turnquist and Amy(Mike, Jake, Justin, Sophia) Reeves.
Nels was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Al, and son Todd.
He was a member of the Pleasant Hill Church of Christ and was a dedicated volunteer including: S.E. Polk Community School Board - President, Altoona Hustling Herdsman and Four Mile Lassies 4H club, Iowa Association of School Boards – President, Heartland Area Education Board – President, Master Gardner of Polk County.
Visitation will occur Thursday evening, June 26th, from 5-8pm at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW in Altoona Iowa. A celebration of Nels' life will be held 2:30 pm, Friday, June 27th at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines, Iowa. Burial to follow at Rising Sun Cemetery in Rising Sun Iowa.
We would respectfully ask that any memorial contributions be directed to the Unity Point Hospice unitypointhospice.org or Unity Point Hospice 11333 Aurora Ave Urbandale, Iowa 50322.
Online condolences may be directed toward www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com
Mindi (McDowall) Whiteis
06/28/2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
COLEEN STEWART
06/27/2014
So sorry to hear of Nel's passing. He was always so nice to me and my boys-Greg and Chris.They loved fishing in your pond.He will be missed by many.
Wayne Beal
06/27/2014
Now retired for 13-plus years, I worked with Nels in some of his various roles at the Iowa Association of School Boards. He was nearly always quiet. He always wore his own brand of smile. He was always quietly on top of the issue at hand. It was difficult to predict just when Nels would make a humorous comment on what was being discussed. He cared a LOT about public education and how IASB did the work it was founded to do. He gave much time and effort to IASB. It was a pleasure working with him. My most heartfelt condolences to the Turnquist family.
BOB & BETTE HODSON
06/26/2014
SO SORRY TO HEAR OF NELS PASSING. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
YOR FRIENDS FROM HORACE MANN DAYS.
Pamela Stanley
06/25/2014
Nels was a very nice gentleman and was the perfect host when we went out to his place for a get together when my step-daughter Nicole was in Des Moines, IA to visit her dad and family. He will be greatly missed. Pamela Stanley
Claudia Dineen
06/25/2014
Nels was a beautiful man. His smile and laugh will forever be in your hearts and the hearts of many of us who frequented "the farm"! Miss you guys and sending many many hugs from Texas!