Gregory D. Turner

Gregory Drake Turner, age 71, of Red Wing, died Sunday, February 9, 2025 at White Pine Advanced Memory Care of Cottage Grove. He was born August 18, 1953, in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, to Marion and Vivian (Olson) Turner. He graduated from Onalaska High School in 1971 and then from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources. On April 15, 1978, he married his high school sweetheart, Mary Peek. After graduation, Greg worked for the State of MN as a Conservation Officer for 28 years, ending his career in the roles of Lieutenant and Captain. He often boasted that his region’s officers were the best in the state. He loved his job and used it to share his passion for the outdoors with his family; introducing them to animals in his care, and taking them fishing, hunting, and hiking, sharing his exciting and amusing work stories along the way. 

An avid hunter, Greg’s home showcased his Minnesota moose, along with numerous deer, fish, and turkeys. He and two of his girls, Elizabeth and Katy Jo, were each able to achieve the “Grand Slam” of turkey hunting, traveling across the country to hunt all four U.S. subspecies, a challenging and memorable feat. He was also a cofounder of the local Catfish Classic fishing tournament. The largest Flathead Catfish he caught was 53 lbs. 

Greg was not only an avid hunter and fisherman but also a talented golfer, achieving three hole-in-ones. He was a member at Mississippi National Golf Links where he spent many days on the green. For many years, he competed in pistol and archery leagues, and also earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a testament to his dedication and discipline. 

Many summers were spent beach camping on the Mississippi River as well as renting a cabin at Cry of the Loon Lodge in northern Minnesota, water skiing, tubing, and throwing a line out at the secret fishing spot. 

Greg and Mary shared a love for adventure, enjoying vacations filled with zip lining, white-water rafting, hot air ballooning, and dance lessons, and were snowbirds in Arizona for 3 years.

In 2020, Greg was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. His family extends heartfelt gratitude to the friends who continued to visit him throughout his illness, and to his favorite aides at White Pine, who truly are angels on earth. His quick wit, problem-solving spirit, boundless energy, and goofy sense of humor will be forever missed. 

Greg is survived by his wife, Mary; daughters: Monica, Elizabeth, Jillian (Nicholas Shanklin) and Kathryn Jo Turner; grandchildren: Calvin, Elliott, Luke, Landon, Mikayla and Maverick; his mother: Vivian Turner and siblings: Jeffrey, Steven (Leslie), Mary and Phillip (Tina) Turner, his sister-in-law: Kathy McInerney (John) and brothers-in-law: Paul Peek (Dixie), Jim Peek (Gerry), Tom Peek (Carol), his Godchildren: Joe and Abby, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Marion and a brother, Michael. 

Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at Church of St. Joseph with Father Brandon Theisen presiding. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at Mormon Coulee Cemetery in LaCrosse. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Red Wing Environmental Learning Center (ELC) https://redwingelc.com/donate