Kenneth Turner, a cherished family man and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2025, at the age of 94, in Geneseo, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded, and a memorial visitation will be held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo, on Thursday, May 29, 2025, with a memorial mass immediately following at 11:00 a.m. Father Daniel Gifford will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Kenneth and JoAnn Turner Memorial Scholarship Fund. Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel will be assisting the family, and online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.
Kenneth was born on October 19, 1930, in Dwight, IL, the son of James and Clara (Corrigan) Turner. He was a proud graduate of Dwight Township High School, class of 1949. His high school years were filled with academic, athletic and theatrical achievements. Kenneth’s spirit of service was evident early on. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950. Following his military service, he joined his sister and brother in laws’ freight business and was employed as truck driver for Harper's Redline. Kenneth’s children adored his retelling of the adventures that he experienced during his Redline days. Kenneth then embarked on a distinguished career as a Procurement Contracting Officer at the Joliet Arsenal and the Rock Island Arsenal, where he worked diligently for 37 years until his retirement in January of 1987.
Kenneth lived a life marked by devotion to his faith and his family. He married the love of his life, Regina JoAnn Coughlin, his beloved “Jo”, on November 19, 1955, in Kinsman, IL. Together they built a life based on family, faith and service that lasted nearly 60 years. JoAnn preceded him in death on June 8, 2015. Those who knew him will remember him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, a committed Catholic, a man extremely proud of his Irish heritage, one who enjoyed a great steak, an ice-cold beer and a game of euchre.
Beyond his professional achievements, Kenneth was deeply involved in his community. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was devoted to volunteering at St. Malachy Catholic Church, including serving as a member of the Knights of Columbus. An avid reader, he found solace in the pages of countless books, and his passion for woodworking allowed him to create beautiful holiday decorations for his family and friends. His love for sports was evident as he cheered on his beloved Cubs and Bears, and he passed on his love for the game by coaching Little League baseball and basketball. A man of the outdoors, Kenneth enjoyed boating, fishing and going for walks with his much-loved dogs. He was a fixture at his children and grandchildren's events, always there to offer enthusiastic support and encouragement.
Those left to cherish his memory include children, Colleen Turner of Naperville, IL, James (Karen) Turner of Geneseo, IL, Kenneth (Susan) Turner of Nags Head, NC, and Don (Sue) Turner of Glen Ellyn, IL; grandchildren, Erin (Joseph) Haluska, Patrick (Katelyn) Turner, Kevin (Jordan) Turner, Hannah Turner, Emmett Turner, Grace Turner, Caroline Turner, and Madeline Turner; and great-grandchildren, Harper Haluska, Jake Turner, Amelia Turner, Stella Haluska, Ryne Haluska, Connell Haluska, Eloise Turner, and Raegan Turner.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, James and Clara Turner; his loving wife, JoAnn Turner; and siblings, John Turner, Margaret Harper and Donald Turner.