Roger Turner, 84

Roger Turner, of Stevens Point, passed away unexpectedly at home on August 3, 2024.

Roger was born May 5, 1940, in the Town of York (Granton area), Wisconsin, the son of the late Victor and Ruth (née Schlinsog) Turner. He grew up in Wisconsin Rapids and attended local schools. At the age of five, he began playing basketball by shooting empty Carnation milk cans into a hoop his father made out of a wooden box. By high school, his basketball skills were well developed, and Roger played on the varsity team for Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids, where he graduated in 1958.

After high school, Roger continued his education by attending college. It was there that he met Carol Boardman, and they soon married on August 6, 1960, at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Together they welcomed two daughters, Rochelle and Kathy. In 1974, the family relocated from Minnesota to Stevens Point, where Roger began working for Sentry Insurance, retiring in 2000.

Roger had a lifelong love for sports and often participated in golfing, fishing, and playing softball. He and Carol were avid Pointer fans and enjoyed following the team to away games, even traveling as far as Hawaii. After his retirement, Roger and Carol continued to enjoy camping and traveling across the United States and Canada. Camping and sitting around a firepit with his family were his favorite ways to spend time, creating lasting memories. Roger also enjoyed playing board games at home with Carol, often followed by a trip to Belts for lunch. He cherished meeting up with “the guys” for Sheepshead and loved golfing, whether playing in “the Old Farts League” or with his childhood best friend. Roger had a happy-go-lucky attitude, often responding “Hunky-dory!” when asked how he was doing.

Roger’s family was his top priority. As “Papa” to his four grandchildren, he followed each of their interests with enthusiasm and was one of their biggest fans.

Roger is lovingly survived by his wife, Carol; his daughters, Rochelle (Paul Zick) Turner and Kathy (Bernard) Johns; his grandchildren, Dallas (Tony) Pike, Gus Turner Zick, Mycah Johns, and Greta Turner Zick; and one great-grandchild, Lance Pike.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Ruth; and two brothers, Garie and Jim Turner.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.