Donald G. Turner

Pastor Donald G. Turner, 91, of Rockford, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at Crimson Pointe. Born March 24, 1927 in Albia, IA in his grandmother’s home. The son of Lowell E. & Esther L. (Young) Turner. Graduated from Oskaloosa High School, class of 1944; then later received his Bachelor in Theology from Olivet Nazarene University, class of 1954. He served in the US Army during WWII, Occupation Duty in Japan. Married R. Elaine Mathews on June 23, 1950 in Wapakoneta, OH. They moved to Rockford in 1990, after retiring as a pastor for 35 years. Don served as pastor of several Nazarene churches throughout Northwest Illinois between 1954 and 1991, including Rockford 1st Church of the Nazarene from 1972-1981.
Volunteer Chaplin at Swedish American for 7 years, the Bickford House for 10 years, and was active in various chaplaincy programs. He enjoyed watching sports, especially the Chicago Bulls, Cubs and college basketball.
Survivors include wife, R. Elaine; children Ronald (Pamela) Turner, Cheryl (Ronald) Carlson and Anita (Marty) Hughes; grandchildren Michael Carlson, Megan Turner, Lydia Turner, Justin, Kendra, Tyler, Mariah and Princeton Hughes; sister, Helen Muir; sister-in-law Louise Turner and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents; brother, Cloyd Turner and brother-in-law Bill Muir.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2018 at 1st Church of the Nazarene, 4503 Charles St, Rockford, IL 61108. Visitation from 4-7 pm Sunday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL 61108. Burial in Arlington Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, Safe Families for Children/Rockford, or Mercy Health Hospice. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. – Send online condolence at www.fitzgeraldfh.com