Thaddeus Edgar Turner

Thad Turner passed away on Nov. 29, 2020, at his daughter Heather’s house (in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho), who had been lovingly caring for him.

Thaddeus Edgar Turner was born to Amy and Frank Turner, in Miles City, Mont., on May 17, 1937.

Dad grew up on the ranch with his brothers and sisters.

Thad served in the U.S. Army in Tripoli, Africa. After service he was a professional bull rider for many years, traveling all around the United States.

His life changed in a big way when he met Darlene, "the Waitress," at the 600 Cafe in Miles City. She had three children at the time: Toni, Dirk and Heather. Darlene said to him, “I'll marry you if we can have a son and name him Timber.” Soon after they married, they had a son and named him Timber.

They moved to Libby, Mont., where Dad worked on the Libby Dam. When he finished on the Libby Dam he went to Alaska for a few years and worked on the pipeline. During their time in Libby, they found a great church family which started them on many years of ministry in helping the down and out.

Thad’s many talents of construction allowed him to finish building Amish-framed homes for himself and daughter, Toni. Thad, being a seasoned auctioneer, performed many estate auctions while in Libby and also continued this work when they moved to Forsyth, Mont.

While living in Forsyth, Thad worked at the Coalstrip mines as a heavy-duty mechanic.

It was in Forsyth that Thad and his wife had a jail ministry. He was also very proud of his certificate as a minister to “marry and bury” people.

They eventually moved to Coeur d’Alene to be close to family. Thad was always up for a card game. He was quite the card shark, enjoying endless games of hearts and cribbage. Thad always supported his wife, "thadswife," and her love of painting and countless life adventures.

They celebrated 50 years of marriage a few years back. Their door was always open to family and friends. Love was always extended to family, friends, neighbors and anyone who crossed his path.

Dad took care of Mom until she passed away in 2019.

Thad is survived by his son, Timber (Julie) Turner; daughter, Heather Turner of Coeur d’Alene; son, Dirk Turner of Forsyth; daughter, Toni (David) Zimmer of Anaconda, Mont.; many grandkids, great-grandkids and a great-great-grandchild.

All of our lives have been blessed by having the cowboy meet and fall in love with the waitress.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.