A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Wanda Turner, age 99, of Windom, will be held at The American Lutheran Church of Windom on Friday, November 1st at 11:00 AM, with a visitation from 9:30 -11:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Lakeview Cemetery in Windom.

The service will be livestreamed on the American Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Wanda Mae Turner was born on November 7, 1924, on a farm near Minneota, Minnesota to the late Nels and Inga (Borson) Dovre. She was the oldest of five children. She was baptized and confirmed in Hope Lutheran Church. Wanda earned her high school diploma at Minneota in 1942 and her bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State. She taught school in Morton, MN and Escondido, CA before joining the Windom faculty in 1948.

On June 11, 1950, Wanda was married to A.W. (Wig) Turner at Hope Lutheran Church in Minneota. Turner, a farmer and Windom native, served as a pilot in the Army Air Force in WW II and as a forward observer during the Korean War. During his Korean service, Wanda gave birth to their daughter, Judith Ann Turner, who died in infancy. Wig returned from Korea shortly after her death. After finding a place to live, Wig returned to farming and their son Jim was born followed by Bruce, Roger, and Paul. As the family grew, they developed fond memories of life on the farm and fun times at the nearby lake. When the boys were all in school, Wanda resumed her career teaching second grade at Winfair School. What a joy it was to teach her second graders! She taught school for 25 years.

Faith, family, and community were the foundation of Wanda's life. She lived a purpose driven life and inspired others with her positive attitude, love of life, and heart for her family and community. She was an avid walker. Wanda was the spark both in her family of birth and her family of Turners. Their home was always filled with love, encouragement, and joy. Wanda and Wig loved to ballroom dance with their friends to the Big Band Music of their youth. In the 70's, during her teaching years, Wanda mentored a relative from Norway, Liv Haugerud. Wanda said Liv was like a daughter to her and Liv went on to be a successful teacher in Norway. They also loved to surprise their children and grandchildren with skits at their annual family talent show. And best of all, they had the opportunity to grow old together and watch their children and grandchildren grow and mature into productive adults.

Wanda was an active member of the American Lutheran Church singing in the choir, teaching Sunday School, participating in WELCA, Bible Study and the Altar Guild. Following her retirement, she enjoyed doing various volunteer work around the community. She belonged to several community clubs and groups including the Eastern Star, P.E.O., Country Club and Bone Builders. Wanda served for many years as a board member of the Cottonwood County Historical Society. In 2005, she received the Mayor's Medal of Honor for her volunteer work in education at both Winfair School and the Cottonwood County Historical Society.

She was frequently invited to bring readings at special events and serve as narrator for community programs. She was also a longtime member of BARC and the Concert Association. One of her highlights was meeting King Harold V and Queen Sonja of Norway in 1995. Wig and Wanda enjoyed many trips together visiting interesting places in the states as well as overseas.

Wanda passed away peacefully, with her family at her side on Friday evening, October 11, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society-Sogge Memorial in Windom. Wanda and her family were very appreciative and grateful for the excellent care at Mikkelsen Manor and the Good Samaritan Society.

Wanda is survived by her 4 sons: Jim of Windom, MN, Bruce (Lisa) of Windom, MN, Roger (Marcia) of Eden Prairie, MN and Paul (Jackie) of Windom, MN; 9 grandchildren: Matthew (Eliot), Alex (Erika), Peter (Kelsey), Katie, Michelle, Mark (Stephanie), Eric, Emily (Cody), and John (Bailey); great grandchildren: Olivia, Evelyn, Delcey and August; brothers: Ralph Dovre and Paul (Mardeth) Dovre; and many nieces and nephews

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, A. Wiggans Turner; Baby Judith Ann; parents: Nels and Inga Dovre; sisters: Ardis Schilling, Florence Spann; sisters-in-law: Norma Dovre, and Joan Reed; brothers-in-law: Robert Turner, Peter Turner, John Spann, and Bob Reed as well as many nieces and nephews.

Blessed be the memory of Wanda Mae Turner.