William Turner

WILLIAM J. TURNER

Des Moines

William John Turner, 89, of Des Moines, died Monday, Sept. 7, 2015, at Adel Acres Care Center. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, Cedar

Rapids. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the chapel. Entombment will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Mauso-leum, Cedar Rapids. A celebration of William's life will be held at the Witmer House in the Des Moines area at a later date.

William was born Feb. 13, 1926, in Chicago, to Helen Louise Zierold. His family returned to Amana, where he grew up. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II. William went on to earn his master's degree in social work from the University of Iowa and made his career with the State of Iowa Department of Human Services until his retirement in 1992.

William was a faculty member at the University of Iowa School of Social Work and past president of the Mental Health Association of Iowa.

He was a Master Gardener and served as superintendent of fruits and vegetables at the Iowa State Fair. Passionate about service, he helped apply for and received a federal grant for the first Meals on Wheels in Iowa.

William was known for his volunteerism in the community.

William was married to Phyllis Nell Cook on Sept. 25, 1949, in Cedar Rapids. They were blessed with six daughters.

He is survived by five daughters, Cheryle (Bob) Sackett of Pella, Nancy (Rick) Williams of Iowa City, Cynthia (Ken) Vanous of Cedar Rapids, Debra Turner of Seattle, Wash., and Lisa Turner of Des Moines; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

William was preceded in death by his wife in 2002; his mother; daughter, Sandra Wescott; son-in-law, Gary Engard; grandson, Gabe Williams; and sister, Doris Reihman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Alzheimer's Association or Horizons Meals on Wheels.

Online condolences may be left at www.cedar memorial.com.