Obituary of Mark Eric Turner
Mark Eric Turner, 56, of Duluth, MN passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, December 27th, 2021.
He was born in Kansas City, MO to Mrs. Birzena Turner Williams-Holiday and Mr. Charles E. Walker on February 15, 1965. Mark was a gifted student and was recommended to the gifted and talented program at Mary Harmon Weeks School. He later graduated from Van Horn High School in Kansas City, MO in 1983.
In 1984, Mark completed basic training at Fort Campbell, KY for the US Army. He was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, and several bases in Germany. Mark often shared stories of his service and was proud to be the third generation to serve his country.
After his service, Mark bounced around the US, living in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and ultimately settled in Duluth, Minnesota.
Up to the day the Lord called him home, Mark worked as a campus safety officer at the Saint Scholastica Campus community. He was highly respected and loved by his campus safety team members, and Mark loved them like family. He found great joy in connecting with the students, staff, and Sisters, many of whom he impacted greatly with his sound advice, humor, kind spirit, and friendship.
Mark LOVED music. No matter the genre or instrument, music was his passion. In his youth, he had a few lessons with famed KCMO blues guitarist Sonny Kenner. Mark was self-taught on many instruments and enjoyed crooning a tune (usually Prince) at various karaoke venues. He made many good friends through his love of music. Most recently, his new music studio, “The Boom Boom Room” was his musical outlet. He would have friends over to jam and record it for family and friends to enjoy. He would absolutely glow with happiness after a show. No matter the occasion, Mark had the extraordinary ability to pick up his guitar and play any request. If he didn’t know a song, he made quick work to learn it and add it to his repertoire. He most enjoyed passing along his love of music and jamming with his children.
To put Mark’s life into a few paragraphs seems like an injustice. His zest for life was and is infectious. He was a family man and fiercely loved and was proud of his five children. He grew delicate flowers, tamed and truly loved “unlovable” pups. He was silly! Mark could bring laughter to the most tragic of times. He was humble and kind, and his faith was strong. He loved his life and showed his gratitude in all he did for others. Knowing and loving Mark made us all better people.
Mark will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3
Mark is preceded in death by his parents and little brother, Quentin Walker.
He is survived by his wife and best friend of over 17 years, Nicole Turner; children, Stella Turner, Charles (Paula) Roundtree, Mark (Shyra) Roundtree, Quentin Turner, and Brittany McBride; grandchildren, Lamont, Aaliyah, De’Siah, Uri, and Marcus; Father-in-Law, George Persgard; bonus mom, Mrs. Hattie Collier; sisters Valerie (Wilson) Smith, Teresa Martin, Debra (Dwayne) White, Angela Walker (Donovan Dawson), Andrea Ward; Sister-in-Law Jodi Persgard; many beloved Aunts, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews; his pups, Satchmo and Brutus; Friends too numerous to count. We are thankful for our tribe.
A celebration of Mark’s life will be held on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the Vineyard Church, 1533 W Arrowhead Road, Duluth, MN 55811, 10 AM visitation, followed by 11 AM service, with a luncheon to follow.
A special thank you to Pastor Clint, Monica, the communities at the Vineyard Church and the Saint Scholastica Campus, for your kindness and unwavering support during this difficult time.
