Theodore Turner

Inurnment will be at a later date at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Corning.
Theodore Baker Turner II, son of Ida Jane Okey and Theodore Baker Turner I, was born in Corning, Iowa on March 23, 1910. Ted died on April 15, 2009, at Alegent Hospital in Corning at the age of ninety-nine. His wife Mary preceded him in death in 1984. He is survived by his sister, Catherine (Kitty) Phillips of Santa Barbara, California; his children: Theodore III (Lynn) Turner of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Laura Hoffman of Dubuque, Iowa, Elizabeth Turner Platt of LeClaire, Iowa, Jane (Phillip) Cooper of Holy Cross, Iowa and Catherine (Steven) Remington of Anamosa, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Ted spent his childhood in Corning with 5 siblings, John, Almira, Catherine, twin brother Clifford, and Frank. Ted delighted in outdoor activities. He enjoyed sledding, playing ball, picnics, swimming, and hiking.
High school years were spent in Grinnell where his father was employed at the college. Here he played football, graduated as valedictorian and met Mary Elizabeth Sanders.
College years brought study at the University of Wyoming, the University of Wisconsin, and Rollins College in Florida, where he graduated in 1932. At each institution, he participated in collegiate swimming, specializing in diving.
Returning to Corning, Ted and Cliff created the Spring Lake Pottery. Mary had moved to California in 1928. Their friendship was rekindled through letters and a motorcycle visit. They married in 1936 and honeymooned in the Canadian Rockies on their way to Corning.
Ted and Mary made their home at Spring Lake until they were flooded out in 1941. They moved to a home built by Teds grandfather A.B. Turner I, in which they lived for the rest of their lives.
Ted worked managing family farms. He served as mayor and city clerk. He was an active participant in the Adams County Soil Conservation Commission, a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America, and a dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church.
Teds life was lived with a generous spirit and an honest intention to contribute to the public good. He enjoyed traveling with family and new experiences of all sorts. He was known for his woodworking projects, his home repair assistance, his singing and his waffles. His smile communicated his love to people until the end of his life. He cherished his family and the Corning community he called home.
Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church, Alegent Health Mercy Hospital of Corning, Adams County Conservation Board, Corning Aquatic Center and/or the Corning Public Library.