Alfred J. Turner, age 85, of Merrill, died Thursday, February 26, 2015, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
Al was born on July 6, 1929, in Merrill, son of the late Alfred and Grace (Londerville) Turner. He married Cleone Claussen on September 7, 1957, in Merrill. She survives. Al enlisted in the United States Army on February 9, 1951. He was honorably discharged on February 9, 1953. Al worked at the former Ward Paper Mill for 43 years, retiring in 1994. He then worked as a groundskeeper at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Al was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. His faith was very strong and deep but also quiet. Al was an intellect who loved history and reading. He also enjoyed music and dancing. Al loved all things nature, whether it was gardening, taking care of the Christmas trees, or feeding the birds. Family was extremely important to Al. He enjoyed giving his grandchildren tractor rides and took pride in the fort he built for them. Al and Cleone spent many winters in Avon Park, Florida. He will be remembered for his terrific sense of humor and his amazing attitude through everything that had been handed to him.
Survivors include his wife Cleone Turner of Merrill; two daughters, Wendy (Mark) Hull of Forest Lake, MN and Lynn (Scott) Young of St. Paul, MN; six grandchildren, Drew Hull, Caitlin (Jeff) Moen, Jamison Hull, Mitch Young, Dylan Young, and Carissa Young; two great-granddaughters, Paige and Harper Moen; one sister, Sylvia Lemon of Merrill; one brother, John (Lorraine) Turner of Merrill; one brother-in-law, David (Lois) Claussen of Eau Claire; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Grace Turner; two brothers, Eugene and David Turner; and one brother-in-law, Floyd Lemon.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00 P.M., Noon, on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father Michael McLain will preside. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com