Christopher William Turnis
March 06, 2015
Christopher William Turnis, 42, peacefully departed this life for his heavenly home on March 6, 2015 surrounded by his family.
He approached his brain cancer journey, as he did his life, a warrior and endured every step with a kind and courteous heart. Services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 7075 Ashworth Road in West Des Moines, with visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 – Rosary at 7:30 p.m., and the Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at Jordan Cemetery in West Des Moines.
Christopher was born October 28, 1972 in Joliet, IL to Verna (Vaske) and William Turnis. He graduated from Central DeWitt High School and Simpson College. He worked for The Principal Financial Group, as a Pension Proposal Specialist and was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus.
Christopher was a remarkable person. As an athlete, he enjoyed the competitiveness and comradery of playing football, baseball, and golf. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Hawkeyes and the Steelers, proudly wearing his black and gold. The brotherly love built with his grade school friends is a true testament of their commitment to each other. This bond strengthened his will throughout his journey.
Christopher loved spending time with his family, especially his wife – they were inseparable. Chris’ courage, selflessness, and optimism are an inspiration to all who share this journey with him.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Helene; his mother, Verna Turnis; siblings, Brian (Kari) Turnis, Kim (Dan) Burzlaff, Leanne (Scott) Weydert, and Renee (Matt) Meier; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alex and Josephine Alexander; sisters-in-law, Christina (Nirmal) Raj, and Anita (Dennis) Breen; and sixteen nieces and nephews. Christopher was preceded in death by his father, Bill Turnis; his grandparents; and his godfather, Phil Turnis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the family. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Diana Lucio
03/20/2015
Helen,
My deepest condolences. Thinking of you. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Nimi and Paulraj
03/16/2015
Our words can not possibly express the sympathy we are feeling for you and all you are going through right now....but our prayers ask for healing and help to share the pain.
May Chris rest in peace
The Keomaxay Family
03/15/2015
Helene, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Though we only had the privilege of meeting Chris once it was clear to see he was a good man and a loving husband. May God grant you the strength you will need, and may Chris rest in peace.
Joe & Mallika
03/14/2015
We along with our children convey our heartfelt condolences to the whole fly.May Chris soul rest in peace & let Eternal Light shine upon him.May the good Lord give our dear sis Radhi the strength & courage to carry on her life with peace.You all are in our prayers.
Robert Selvaraj
03/14/2015
I am so sorry for your loss. May Our Lord Jesus give you strength and comfort and grant Chris eternal peace and rest .
Connie Keller
03/13/2015
I am so sorry - sending prayers and love to you, Helene
Mary & Mike Goodall - Dewitt IA
03/13/2015
To the entire Turnis family:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this time - what a wonderful family of support.
Mary & Mike Goodall - Dewitt IA
Laura Mangan
03/13/2015
Dear family..
I'm so sorry for the loss of Chris. It hasn't been an easy road to travel, but you made sure he was loved, celebrated, and honored while he was on this earth with us- what an incredible gift of a family you have been.
I'm sorry I can't be there today, but you will each be on my heart.
Praying for peace, love, and comfort.
Laura
Brooke & Mitch Dardis
03/13/2015
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Einar & Janet Simonson
03/12/2015
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of Christopher. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family.
Jen McCall
03/12/2015
Helene, no words. I can't imagine your pain but I truly hope God's love surrounds you and the memories of Chris give you peace. I continue to pray for you and your family.
Sandy Sobzack
03/12/2015
Helene, the entire Learning and Development family is thinking of you. Based on what I've read, Christopher was an amazing man. My heart aches with yours. I will keep you in my heart and thoughts.
Randy & Teresa Nissen DeWitt,Ia.
03/12/2015
We are so very sorry for your loss. May our Lord hold each of you close to his heart and give you strength. You and your family are in our prayers.
Kim and Jackie Cords
03/11/2015
We send to you our deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved, Chris. May God grant you peace and may special memories fill your hearts. Kim and Jackie Cords
Donna and Carl Richards
03/11/2015
Verna, we are so sorry for your loss. Chris graduated with our daughter Christine. She always bragged about how great a guy he was. You and your family are in our prayers.