Watch Orville's Memorial Service

Watch Orville's Military Honors

Orville Turner, age 84, of Waubun, MN, died on Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Essentia Health in Fargo, ND.

Orville Ivan Turner was born on June 28, 1940, to Robert and Blanche (Antell) Turner in White Earth, MN.  He attended grade school at Naytahwaush Elementary and High School at Mahnomen HS, graduating in 1958.  He was proud of his football and baseball teams, often bragging about the undefeated football season his senior year.

After high school, he was offered a tryout with the Cleveland Indian baseball team, but chose to serve his country by enlisting in the US Navy.  He spent three years in the active Navy, but served in the Naval reserves until 1974.

In December of 1959, while home on leave after boot camp, Orville began dating the love of his life, Doreen McCollum.  They were united in marriage on May 12, 1962.  Orv and Doreen made their home in the Bemidji and Cass Lake, MN, areas for the next several years while he was employed at the IHS Hospital Cass Lake.  In the late 1960s, he then worked for the BIA in Bemidji.  In 1970, he began working as the manager of the Highway Host Restaurant in Bemidji.  While in Bemidji, Orville was very active in the Jaycees and the Elks Lodge, where they met many lifelong friends.

In 1974, they moved the family to Baudette, MN, where they purchased the Lighthouse Restaurant and operated it until they sold it in 1980.  During this time, Orville was an avid golfer and curler and enjoyed all that Lake of the Woods offered to avid sportsmen.  Here, as well, Orv and Doreen met and still maintain many dear friends.

In 1981, they once again relocated the family, this time to Port Charlotte, FL.  While in Florida, Orv continued working in hospitality, including managing the Punta Gorda Elks Lodge.  After several years, he began bartending at the Englewood Elks Lodge until 2002.  During his time in Florida, he met many more friends that were near and dear to his heart from many parts of the country.

In 2002, Orv and Doreen returned to Minnesota to make their home on South Twin Lake.  He began working as the Buffet Manager, and later the Food and Beverage Director of the Shooting Star Casino until his retirement in 2010.

Orville was a lifelong avid hunter and fisherman, and especially enjoyed deer season with his close friends and family.  Those he hunted with can still recite the stories that were retold each year around the lunch fire.

Family and friends were very important to Orville.  You could see his eyes light up when family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren came to visit.  He especially loved any and all family gatherings and the many games of pinochle and cribbage that often occurred.

Orville is survived by his wife, Doreen; their four children: Todd (Laurie) Turner, Terri (Danny) Mulinix, Trent (Sherry) Turner, and Tara Turner; in addition, their foreign exchange son, Sören Faerik.  They also have 15 grandchildren: Kevin (Jennifer) Mulinix, Kristyn (Chris) Neuhofer, Katelyn Mulinix, Tj (Kate) Turner, Travis Turner, Chynna Blackwood, Lavontaye Graham, Amara Graham, Floyd Turner, Don Turner, Kaiann Turner, Maya Turner, Jacy (Freddie) Ulmer, Jason (Nikki Hartzog) Futch, and Kelly (Josh) Wall; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Colleen (Dwight) Johnson; a sister-in-law, Mary Turner;  many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family of Doreen's..

Orville was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Shelly; brothers: William "Bill" (Barb), Robert "Bob" (Sharon) and Irvin "Doyle".

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Bejou, MN, followed by Military Honors.  A Time of Gathering will take place at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred to the Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation.

Please feel free to sign the guestbook, send condolences and view other opportunities which may be available on the website.