Michael Gale Turner

Sun Prairie-Michael G. Turner, age 45, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2009, at HospiceCare, Fitchburg, WI.  Michael was born on September 23, 1963 in St. Paul, MN, the son of Norbert and Joyce (Beck) Turner.  He found his soul mate and best friend when he met his future wife, Brenda Eckard.  They were united in marriage in Duluth on June 26, 1999.   Michael grew up in Duluth and has been a Sun Prairie resident since 2004.   He received his Bachelors and Masters of Education from the University of Minnesota-Duluth.  During his lifetime, he was employed with LTV Mining in MN in their career development program as their director, for the Logger Education Association in MN as their first executive director, and for the past 5 years for Wisconsin Crop Production Association in Madison as their executive director.  As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing, camping, hiking and boating.  He also authored several children's books.  He loved spending time with his girls.  Michael was a member of the American Retailers Association and also served on many other boards representing the agricultural industry in WI.  He is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughters Mikala and Natalie Turner, at home, Briana Venier of Duluth, son Kyle (Brette) Venier of Duluth; granddaughter Brylee Venier; sisters Kim (Pam Rees) Riordan, Kathy (Matt Spearman) Turner, Jennifer Turner, Christina (Brian Miller) Campbell, and Leslie Turner all of Duluth; brother Dan (Laurie) Turner of Superior; grandmother, Nathalie Beck of Duluth; father Norbert Turner; step-father Christopher Campbell; and many other relatives and friends.  Mike was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Campbell, grandfather Walter Beck, brother Greg and nephew Christopher.  A time of gathering will be held from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at Cress Funeral Home, 1310 Emerald Terrace with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 a.m.  Following the service, a reception will be held in the Cress Funeral Home Community Room.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for his daughters' educations at O'Connell Financial, Madison.     Cress Funeral & Cremation Service 1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie (608) 837-9054 www.cressfuneralservice.com