John W. Turner

John W. Turner
Appleton

John William Turner, born on June 5, 1936, in Denton, Montana to the late Dr. Carl and Elizabeth (Prichard) Turner, passed away on January 12, 2002, after a long struggle with cancer. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1959, John served his country as a naval aviator piloting S-2Fs. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1964. In 1959 he married Mary Anne Ehle of Asheville, North Carolina.

Upon completing his term of service, John was employed first by Kimberly Clark (1964 – 1971) and later by Appleton Papers (1971 – 1989), where he began an 18-year career that saw him climb from the position of production manager to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure with Appleton Papers, he also earned an M.B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh (1975). After retiring from Appleton Papers, John continued his career in the paper industry serving as President and Chief Operating Officer of Chicago-based Wallace Computer Services from 1990 through 1991.

Upon retirement from the paper industry in 1991, he continued his longstanding involvement in various community groups, including Habitat for Humanity, The United Way, SCORE and the church. Throughout his life John loved music and was recognized in choirs for his fine tenor voice. He performed both as a soloist and in ensembles in many venues including twice on the Ed Sullivan Show. John’s interests also included fishing, woodworking and weaving, but he was perhaps best known for his sense of humor.

John was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Mary Anne, in 1999. He remarried in 2000 to Fran Lukashewich of Appleton, Wisconsin. John is survived by his second wife, and four children from his first marriage: Dr. Kimberly Anne (Kiban) Turner of Arlington, Virginia; Christopher William Turner of Appleton, Wisconsin; Dr. Michael Andrew Turner and his wife Shih Chih of Manhattan, New York; and Matthew Eric Turner of Chicago, Illinois.

A natural-born leader, John was described by a business colleague as “a principled businessman who applied his Christian values and beliefs to his professional, civic, and community undertakings.” Despite a long and successful career in business, he placed more value in being a loyal husband, a loving father, a kindly neighbor, a reliable friend, and a good Christian than in any of his other accomplishments.

Memorial services will at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 16, 2002, at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 601 East Glendale Avenue, Appleton, with Rev. Paul R. Brinkman officiating. The family will receive friends following services at the church. The committal service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2002, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Durham, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his name.
WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 North Superior Street
Appleton, Wisconsin 920-739-1231
www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com