died Monday evening, October 22, 2018 in Fremont.
Norman was born November 18, 1932 in Concordia, Kansas to George and Alice Verl (McCollough) Turner. He grew up in Concordia, then served active duty in the United States Navy 1951 to 1953 during which time he earned his GED. Following active duty service, Norman served in the Navy Reserves/Sea Bees until retiring from the military in 1989. He also worked for the post office during this time, first on the mail train until an opening came up in Fremont for a letter carrier. He had over 30 years with the post office. Norman was a master carpenter/wood worker. In his off hours from the post office, he worked in many Fremont homes and businesses.
On June 16, 1957, Norman was married to Laura Beth Amspacker and they settled in Fremont. Beth, as she was known, died March 1, 2017.
Norman was a member of Fremont Masonic Lodge No. 15, A.F. & A.M., the Masonic York Rite Bodies of Fremont and Tangier Shrine of Omaha. He was a Past President of the National Letter Carriers Association.
Norman is survived by his 2 sons, Bryan (Sharla) Turner, and their 2 children Logan and Trace of Carrollton, Texas; Douglas Turner of Fremont and his daughter Kelsey of Omaha; sister Lucille Blecha of Concordia, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his wife Beth, Doug's son Preston Turner, sister Doreen, and brother Floyd.
Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Sunday, 2 to 4 PM, with a Masonic Service at 4 PM. The public is welcome to attend. On Monday, a Memorial Service will be held at the Mortuary at 10 AM with Rev. Aaron Horton officiating. The committal will follow in Ridge Cemetery with Military Honors by the Fremont Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the Masonic Eastern Star Home for Children in Fremont.
Online guestbook@ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(13)
Curtis Pawl
Fort Mill, SC Wednesday, October 31, 2018 I had the privilege of working with Norm for eleven years at the Fremont Post Office. He was a very popular Letter Carrier and appreciated his input on the subject of the day. He was a honest man, he would do anything for anybody. When he retired it was a very tough job to replace him. My sincere sympathy to his family.Jim and Pat Campbell
Fremont, NE Tuesday, October 30, 2018 Our heartfelt condolences to you. Our family unanimously voted years ago that Norm was the very BEST mailman EVER! The postal service should require a training manual based on his friendly, personable, and cordial service! He always took a warm interest in our entire family, as well. Such a wonderful man will be missed!Tammy Drumright and Don Palermo
Westminster, CO Sunday, October 28, 2018 Dear Doug, Bryan and Family,My husband Don and I wish to extend our most sincere condolences on the loss of a cherished friend and in many ways an honorary member of our own family.
I have known Norm since I was a little girl writing letters to my Grandmother, Jean Conrad. I always included a few lines for Norm in those letters and he would pull up a chair in Grandma's kitchen with coffee and doughnut in hand while she read the letter aloud. Norm and Grandma had a special relationship and enjoyed playing practical jokes on one another. Grandma covered styrofoam in whipped cream simulating a fancy dessert and laughed while Norm tried to take a bite. She also pretended one year to throw an elaborate birthday party for her dog Clipper but the party was in reality one for Norm and his whole mail route, his friends, former commanding officer and others. Norm was the only one in the dark about the surprise until the last minute. He also waited hours at Eppley Airport for me to arrive to surprise Grandma on her 75th birthday keeping the secret which annoyed her greatly.
He has been a good and loyal friend as well to my Mom who moved back to Fremont in 1991 and I have always known that I could call him anytime and he would check on her if I was worried. As with many Fremont neighbors, Norm's beautiful woodworking skills are on display at Mom's house. He also refinished her hope chest the year I was married in 1994 and transported it to Colorado where we met Norm and Beth for dinner in Estes Park, one of their favorite places.
Norm will remain in my heart always. I sought his advice more than once in my life and always appreciated his Midwest, salt of the earth approach to the issues that we all face. He gave me that kind of advice when Grandma passed away in 1991 and I rely upon it today as I mourn his passing. It is made a bit easier by knowing he is again with Beth and all his loved ones who have gone before. He has more than earned his rest and though I can't be at his service on Monday I will be remembering him in my heart.
Mark & Michele Johnson
Scottsdale, AZ Friday, October 26, 2018 Bryan and Doug. Our condolences on the passing of your dad. He was a kind, caring and positive influence on each of us who had the privilege of knowing him while growing up. Great memories, in particular, of rides to/from baseball games in your suburban with Norm at the wheel. The house on 19th & Lincoln will always be, for me, the Turners' place!Mark & Michele
Kent Masters
Albuquerque, NM Thursday, October 25, 2018 Bryan and Doug, we are so sorry for the passing of your dad. Mr. T was one of a kind. He was a father figure to me, always in a good mood, cheerful. I will always cherish the good times over there, the fishing and hunting outings, basketball road trips with him, etc. Rest in Peace Mr. T.Craig Schneider
Fremont, NE Thursday, October 25, 2018 Bryan & Doug,Gods peace, presence & comfort at this time! Norm was a great great man & those of us who ran with you Turners...our lives were very blessed by the process of knowing such a solid positive uplifting man like your Dad!
Thanks for sharing him. God bless.
Katie Daniel
, NE Thursday, October 25, 2018 I have a beautiful wooden quilt rack that my Mom had Norman make for me. It has travelled with me in many moves and is much treasured.JB Milliken
, TX Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Norm was a terrific guy and a friend of our family. I have many fine memories of conversations over the years with Norm. A good man and a good friend.Roger Hansen
Glendale, AZ Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Uncle Norman, what a guy. My favorite Uncle. We spent some great times together over the years. Meeting in Colorado and taking long road trips, family gatherings at Christmas time and other holidays. Hearing all your Navy stories (over and over again), Spending most of your childhood over at my Dad and Mom's working on the farm with the Hansen Boys. Raising sheep when everyone else raised cows.No one is going to miss you more than I do, I love you and hope to see you again down the road. Tell everyone Hi for me up there and don't fix everything before I get there to help.
Roger
Pam & Garry Greenbush
Fremont, NE Wednesday, October 24, 2018 What a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of helping Norm and Beth a couple years ago . He was the best husband to Beth, dedicated to her needs and wants. Norm was so talented as a woodworker and didn't let his age get in the way. Loved all his stories, something new all time . Now he and Beth are together again with no pain. May he RIP now. Our Deepest Sympathy to his family.Jim and Ann Finley
Fremont, NE Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Norm was our mailman for many years on Union Street. He always had time to stop and chat and I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone. We will be out of town for the service, but please accept our sympathies for your loss. To put it simply, he was a great guy!Judy Brooks
Fremont, NE Wednesday, October 24, 2018 Turner family, your father was such a big part of our lives. He was our mailman for many years. We would write "Hi Norm" on any letters or postcards sent home. He worked with my dad, Merle Recker, at the post office so we saw him often at their functions. Norm also made sure that our daughter made it from North Side to dad's house when she was in kindergarten (5 whole blocks). He was a great man and will be missed. With sympathy, Judy Recker BrooksDon Dickmeyer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, October 23, 2018 What a Guy! Norm was won of the first to welcome me into the Postal Service. He was a fine man. We spent many years together at the Post Office. When I hired him many tears later to build a fence for my yard, He stepped right up and of course he never charged me for the job.It was just last week that he was in my thoughts. He will be missed in Fremont by many of his Patrons