Jesse Turner

Jesse J. Turner, 94, of Machesney Park, passed away peacefully, on a cold Saturday, January 6, 2018, after a short illness. Born March 19, 1923, in Biggers, AR, the son of Andrew and Ollie (McClain) Turner.  He had four brothers and one sister, and wasn’t able to finish the 6th grade, as it was the Great Depression and he was needed to help work on the family farm.  He entered the U.S. Navy on a submarine crew during World War II to help defeat the Axis of evil and left behind his new bride, Patricia Ragan.  This was a 76-year love affair, only being separated again after the war for one week when Pat accompanied her 1st grandchild to California for a visit to her brother, Clarence.  Jesse and Pat relocated to the Rockford area in 1948 looking for hope and the promise of the American dream.  They found it as Jesse worked for Rockford Clutch until he retired at the age of 54.  They helped numerous families make the transition from the depressed south to the thriving industry of the north.  Their house became a gateway for many of the families from the Pocahontas, AR, region to settle into the north.  Surrounded by some close family, like Joe and Lelia Heller of Roscoe, Pat and Jesse would raise their two boys, Dennis and Michael, in Machesney Park on Norman Lane.  They lived there until Pat’s passing on January 13, 2017.  Jesse was an avid farmer, and good at his craft, sharing all of his yield.  He could sharpen any blade and fix any problem.  They truly don’t make them like him anymore.  Married Patricia Ragan on March 18, 1944.  Member of North Park Church of Christ.  Survivors include son, Michael (Rose Mary) Turner of Rockton; grandchildren, Trevor (Stephanie) of Sycamore, Ryan (Kati) of Rockton; great-grandchildren, Kyla, Mason, Ayza, Wyatt, Wynston and Addie; several nieces and nephews.  Predeceased by his best friend and soulmate, Pat; and one son, retired Army Special Forces, Dennis.

Service at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 11, at North Park Church of Christ, 7620 Elm Ave., Machesney Park, with a visitation from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens.  Visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park.