Services for Jerome A. Turgeon
Wed, 06/08/2022 - 10:42am
admin
Jerome A. Turgeon, 86, of Baudette, Minn. passed away peacefully on Monday, June 6, 2022 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, N.D., with his loving family by his side.
Jerome Arthur Turgeon was born April 10, 1936, in Crookston, Minn., the son of Walter W. and Alexine (Bergeron) Turgeon. He was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. He attended school in Oklee, Minn., and the Northwest School of Agriculture (AC) in Crookston.
Following graduation, Jerome served in the U. S. Army, where he honed his cooking skills. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., and following his Honorable Discharge, he took a job in the logging industry, working there a short time before losing two fingers in a logging accident.
On March 23, 1960, Jerome was united in marriage to Dianne D. Nelson in Brooks, Minn. To this union four children were born: Kelly, Mark, Kimberly and Michael.
Jerome and Dianne bought a farm near Terrebonne in Red Lake County, where they grew potatoes for seed and processing. For several years they distributed certified seed to area potato growers throughout northwestern Minnesota. In addition, their potatoes were marketed for processing by Lay’s potato chip company and other processors. In 1962, Jerome traded his last load of potatoes for shoes for the family and a recliner rocking chair, which stayed in the family for many years. Jerome had fond memories of using a Ford 8N tractor on his dad’s farm near Brooks. A neighbor had taken ownership of the tractor, and years later Jerome bought it back from him and continued to use it at his home in Baudette, Minn., to this day.
After farming he started his career with the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Stabilization Conservation Service (ASCS), later becoming the Farm Service Agency (FSA). His first responsibilities were working as a Field Inspector for ASCS. That led to a Management Training Program through which he became a County Executive Director (CED). Jerome served as a CED in Cass, McLeod, and Marshall counties, retiring in 1995.
Jerome and Dianne built a log cabin on the Rainy River near Baudette in the early 1980s. It became their primary residence following his retirement. Much of the timber used in the construction of the cabin, as well as the interior tongue-in-grove materials, cabinets, and furniture, were products of logging efforts led by Jerome, family and friends. They enjoyed their many years at the cabin, hunting and fishing, taking boat trips on Lake of the Woods, hosting visiting friends and family and enjoying the natural beauty of the area. They also spent many winter months in Lake Havasu, Ariz., visiting friends and catching striped bass in Lake Havasu. Jerome enjoyed the outdoors, and whenever given the opportunity, he could be found in the field hunting or on the waters in search of fresh walleye. Jerome shared his outdoor passions with his children and grandchildren and included them on trips in Minnesota, other states and provinces.
He picked up the nickname “Domer” because he was always willing to do more! Whether he worked part time as a fishing guide on Leech Lake, bartender (Third Base in Brooks, Bromley's on Ten Mile Lake near Hackensack, Minn.), or selling cars and firewood, his entrepreneurial spirit always drove him to look for ways to earn some extra income for his family. Later in life he was also known as JT or Jates by family and friends.
Survivors include his loving wife, Dianne; children, Kelly (Amy Lyn) Turgeon of Hallock, Minnesota, Mark (Lisa) Turgeon of Stockton, Utah, Kim (Larry) Fosse of Tower City, North Dakota and Mike Turgeon of Ashland, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Dion (Amy) Turgeon, Marie (Matt) Miller, Travis (Sarah) Turgeon, Tyler Turgeon, Natasha (Brian) Taylor, Brooke Fosse, Tony (Alyssa) Turgeon, Cody Turgeon, Michaela Turgeon; great-grandchildren, Jack, Edith, Lauren, Luke, Thomas, Zoey, Skye, Isla, Aiden, McKenna, Remington, Benelli, Kimber, Tate, Teagan, Cameron, Carson; siblings, Shirley Cyr, Fran Turgeon, Alyce Turgeon, William “Bill” (Kathy) Turgeon; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Turgeon; brother-in-law, Harold Cyr; and sister-in-law, Bonnie Turgeon.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
