Robert Turner

Robert Carl Turner, age 71, of Trail, MN, passed away March 21, 2023, at Essentia Living Center in Fosston. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5th, at Sand Valley Lutheran Church in Trail with Dawn Hanson officiating. Military honors and interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, at a later date. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service on Wednesday (July 5th) at the church. Arrangements are with Carlin Family Funeral Service of Fosston and messages of condolence may be shared at www.carlinfuneral.com.  

Robert was the son of Mable Lund and William Turner.  Robert grew up near Trail, graduating from Gonvick High school where he was an impressive football player and athlete.  After high school, Robert joined the Army and after basic training in Fort Lewis, WA, was dispatched to Vietnam.  While in training and Vietnam, Robert earned two overseas bars, Vietnam Campaign medal and a M-14 sharpshooter medal. He saw hostile action near Da Nang where he was an MP and heavy-duty equipment operator.  

After returning home, Robert lived many years in Georgia where he ran a crew installing irrigation  for Ron Stelie, who along with his family, was a lifelong friend.  Many young men from the Northwoods got jobs from Robert and the rumor was, if you were from northern MN, you had a job if you came down south.  After that, Robert became an over the road trucker for Transport America where he set many mileage and safety records.  Robert developed severe medical issues in the late 90’s and had spent many years living in an apartment at the old Gully school. 

He enjoyed sports, particularly the Vikes and being outside.  Recently medical issues forced him to move to Cornerstone in Fosston and then the Pioneer home.  He never lost his sense of humor. 

Robert is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by 7 siblings—Bill Turner, WA, Mary MacBeth, CA, Leslie Schmit (Shirley), Red Lake Falls, Tom Schmit (Chris), Truman, MN, John Schmit (Audrey) Trail, MN, Julie Schmit, CA and Peter Schmit(Phyllis), White Bear Lake, MN.  In the words of Robert “Love Ya “.