LESLIE TURNER

Leslie Turner, 65, of Fort Dodge, passed away Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at her home after a courageous battle with cancer. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday from 3-5 PM at the Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Fort Dodge. A Celebration of Leslie’s Life will be held afterwards from 5-7 PM Saturday at Olde Boston’s Restaurant & Pub Meeting Room.

Leslie is survived by her husband, Jim; her four children, Ryan (Kelly) Hugen of Pella, Kara (Andy) Thiele-Ocenasek of Fort Dodge, Brad Thiele of Dakota City, Kelly (Ashley) Thiele Jr. of Fort Dodge; her eight grandchildren, Keaton Thiele, Alexis McMahon, Charlie Baker, Trice Thiele, Greta Thiele, Tyler Hugen, Kaden Hugen, and Nathan Hugen. She is also survived by her siblings, Paula (Bill) Gibson, Anne (Dave) Hankel, and Curt (Sara) Messerly, all of Fort Dodge. She is preceded in death by her parents, Roger Sr. and Beverly Messerly and a brother Roger Messerly Jr.

Leslie Jean Messerly, the daughter of Roger Sr. and Beverly (Schnurr) Messerly, was born September 2, 1958, in Fort Dodge and graduated in 1976 from Fort Dodge Senior High School. Leslie began working for Celotex in 1980 and retired in 2009. On August 21, 2009, Leslie married Jim Turner. After their marriage the couple made their home in Canada. Leslie and Jim moved back to Fort Dodge in 2016.

Leslie loved her cats, gardening, family gathering around the picnic table, and spending time with her grandchildren.