Mrs. DAVID (Marilyn Kay Turner) GROSS 1950-2001

BRUENE, TURNER, GROSS, HUMPAL, TODD

Posted By: Mary Durr (email)
Date: 12/12/2007 at 20:34:54

MARILYN TURNER

A Memorial Service for Marilyn Turner was held Friday, July 13, 2001 at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Presbyterian Church at Postville, Iowa. The Rev. Gary Catterson officiated. Special music was provided by Shelley Turner, Marilyn's sister-in-law, and Beverly Bacon, organist. Inurnment was in the Eno Cemetery at rural Luana, Iowa. The Schutte Funeral and Cremation Service of Postville was in charge of arrangements.

A Memorial Service was also held Thursday, July 12, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. in the Highland Park Presbyterian Church at Des Moines. The Rev. Terrance P. Hennessy officiated.

Marilyn Kay Turner, the daughter of Boyd B. Turner and Merle E. (Bruene) Turner, was born October 14, 1950 in Postville, Iowa. She passed away July 9, 2001 at her home in Des Moines, Iowa. She had reached the age of 50 years, eight months, and 25 days.

She was baptized and confirmed in the Community Presbyterian Church at Postville. Marilyn graduated from Postville High School in 1969 where she participated in both vocal and instrumental music and speech. She was a member of 4-H and the Youth Power Program, which sponsored special projects. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in 1992 with her Master's Degree in Training and Development. While attending the University she also held the position of Teaching Assistant.

During the time that Marilyn lived in Postville, she received the Iowa Young Career Woman Award for 1980-81 from the Business and Professional Women's organization. Marilyn became an advocate of persons with disabilities and was instrumental in setting up programs in the Waterloo community. She was the founder of the Black Hawk Center for Independent Living and the Prime Time Pass, which provides transportation service for persons with disabilities. She was also involved with the funding program and the placing of ramps for accessibility in the Waterloo area.

On July 18, 1992, she was married to David Jay Gross in the Community Presbyterian Church at Postville by the Rev. Terrance P. Hennessy.

Marilyn lived in Houston for 12 years, Waterloo for six years, and was living in Des Moines at the time of her death. Two years ago she was appointed by Governor Vilsack as the Executive Director, Division for Persons with Disabilities, for the State of Iowa.

She is survived by her husband, David, of Des Moines, a daughter, Karith Humpal of Manley, IA, a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Humpal, her parents, Boyd and Merle of Postville, three brothers, Bruce Turner and wife Sherilyn of Trinidad, CO, Douglas Turner and wife Shelley of Forest City, IA, Kent Turner and wife, Joanne of Bloomington, MN, a sister, Sandra and husband, Owen Todd of Winona, MN; seven nieces and nephews, Sarah and husband, Lance Turner; Nathan Turner; Jessica and Joseph Turner; and David, Marcus, and Michael Todd.

Marilyn was a member of the Highland Park Presbyterian Church in Des Moines.

Honorary casketbearers were: Sid Harberts, Richard Harberts, Amy Olson, Bob Bacon, Mike Hoenig, Chris O'Hanion, Joe Hayes, Gary Clinton, John TenPas, Harlietta Heiland, Pearl Montgomery.

Postville Herald newspaper clipping from my mother's obituary collection.
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