Leonard "Lenny" Turner , 50, Minot, died Thursday, March 12, 2009 at his residence.

Lenny was born August 19, 1958 at Fukuoka-ken, Japan, the son of Leon and Matsuko (Kawasaki) Turner. He lived at various military installations while his father was stationed with the U.S. Air Force and came to Minot Air Force Base in 1972. As a youngster, he enjoyed the art and skill involved in karate. He was an avid baseball player and enjoyed the support of his personal rooting section, his family. He graduated from Minot High School in 1976, and later from University of North Dakota (UND), Minot State University (MSU) and University of Colorado at Boulder with degrees in Math, Physical Science, Computer Science and Chemical Engineering.

He was united in marriage to Julie Mehlhoff on June 22, 1984 at Minot. Lenny thrived on challenges and new ventures. Throughout the years, he was employed doing out of state work as a controls industrial engineer working for numerous incorporations, including Mueller Sales Inc., Johnson Controls and most recently Disney Inc. and Six Sigma Inc. operating as Turner and Associates. Locally, he worked for Trinity Health and as a paramedic for the Garrison/Max District. His personal business ventures included the Hideaway, TNT Productions, and most recently Good Times Limousine Service.

Lenny was an avid sportsman, playing football, bowling, playing softball and also umpired for the Minot Recreation Commission. Besides his family, his second pride and joy was his 1987 Trans-Am, of which he of which he is still the original owner. Lenny and Julie enjoyed disco dancing.

Lenny was a genuine people person and always made guests feel very welcome. We will miss his great hospitality.

His loving family includes : wife, Julie; daughters, Sommeral Turner and her fiancé Timothy Johnson, Grand Forks, ND, Chantel Turner, Minot; sister, Marilyn Turner, Minot; brothers, James Turner, Los Angeles, CA, Charles Turner , Richfield, MN and Erik Turner, Minot; sisters-in-law, Joleen (Dan) Splichal, Garrison, Linda Slavick, Bismarck, Lanette Mehlhoff, Bismarck; step-mother-in-law, Arlene Mehlhoff, Minot; nieces and nephews, Anthony Slavick, Eric Splichal, Renee (Ben) Larson, Jessie Splichal.

Lenny was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother in law: Arnold & Adeline Mehlhoff.

Funeral service : Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at 1:00pm in West Minot Church of God.
Public Family service : Monday, March 16, 2009 at 7:30pm in the Church
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot
Visitation : Monday from 2:00-7:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.