Joseph J. Turnis, 89, of Platte, SD passed away Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Platte Care Center Avera. Funeral Mass is 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte. A Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 25, 2016 with a 7:00 P.M. Wake Service.

Joseph Jacob Turnis was born on December 23, 1926 to Herman and Margaret (Koch) Turnis on the family farm near Platte, SD. He grew up on the farm and graduated from Platte High School in 1946. Joe began farming until serving his country in the US Army from January 1951 to December 1952. When he returned, he joined his father in the trucking business. On August 10, 1954 Joe was united in marriage to Mary Kathryn Loneman at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Armour, SD.

In 1962 Joe started a hay grinding business, adding fertilizer to this in 1970 and began offering crop protectant services in 1972 – making Turnis Farm Service the success it is today. He also moved several grain bins during his career and held a patent on an attachment for folding John Deere Planters.

Joseph was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Platte and the Knights of Columbus, achieving the level of Fourth Degree Knight. He served on the South Dakota Fertilizer and Ag Chemical Association Board, was a Platte Volunteer Fireman and a member of Campbell-Timmerman American Legion Post #115 of Platte. Joe was always ready to help, never saying “no” to anyone.

Grateful for having shared in Joe’s life: his wife of over 62 years, Mary Turnis of Platte, SD; their son, Herman (Karen) Turnis of Platte, SD; four grandchildren: Megan (Chris) Houlihan of Parker, SD, Heather (Colin) Nachtigal of Harrold, SD, Mindy (Jon) Doom of Rapid City, SD and Drew Turnis of Platte, SD; a great granddaughter, Adalynn Nachtigal; two step great grandchildren: Tylor and Evan Houlihan; four sisters: Arlene Weber of Sioux Falls, SD, Ellen (Paul) Samuelson of Platte, SD, Ruth Anderson of Platte, SD and Mary (Dean) Antonsen of Rapid City, SD; a brother-in-law, Bob (Delores) Anderson of Platte, SD; along with several nieces and nephews.

Joe was preceded in death by identical twin sons, John and James in infancy; his parents, Herman and Margaret Turnis; a sister, Evelyn Anderson; and two brothers-in-law: Vernon Weber and Bernard “Boots” Anderson.

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