Ronald Turner

Ronald “Ron” L. Turner, age 52, of Merrill, passed away after a brief struggle with cancer on August 17, 2017 at the Aspirus Hospital in Wausau, with his loving wife, Christine, by his side.  Ron was born on June 28, 1965 to Robert L. and Patricia (Retzlaff) Turner in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  He attended and graduated from Merrill High School.  Ron took an oath to serve and protect the City of Merrill by becoming a police officer, which he proudly did for 21 years.  Prior to that, he was a jailer in Lincoln and Marathon counties.  Most recently, Ron was the IT Manager at the Merrill City Hall for the last 6 years.  Ron met and fell in love with Christine (Manthei) McLaughlin and the two exchanged vows on August 12, 2011 in Merrill.  They had just celebrated their 6 year anniversary.

Ron was an avid runner for 25 years, and most recently, he had taken up running barefoot, earning him the nickname “The Hobbit” by his friends and family.  He enjoyed gaming with his co-workers and buddies.  Ron also liked to be outdoors and enjoyed the hunting seasons.  Ron always had music on in the house.  He also would take in a good book whenever he had a chance.  Ron is remembered as being a very articulate and intelligent man with an amazing mind.  He did everything to the fullest.  Ron was a gentle soul , but yet, he was a very strong man.  He was adored by many and will be missed by all.

Ron is survived by his father: Robert L. (Kathy) Turner of Wausau, his loving wife of 6 years: Christine Turner of Merrill, step-son: Forrest McLaughlin of Merrill, sons:  Joseph (Heather), Andrew and Steven Turner, brother:  William R. Turner of Merrill, niece:  Chloe Turner, his beloved dogs: Tessa, Ryder and Kato, his cats:  Missy and Apollo, several aunts and uncles and numerous wonderful friends and colleagues.  He was preceded in death by his mother:  Patricia Turner, maternal and paternal grandparents and some aunts and uncles.

A Memorial Service for Ron will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 11am at Waid Funeral Home.  Pastor Jess Wakefield will be officiating.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 4pm-8pm at Waid Funeral Home and again on Friday, August 25, 2017 from 10am until the time of the service, also at the funeral home. All are welcome to lunch following the service at 1 located at the Expo Center, 303 N. Sales Street in Merrill. Inurnment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, monetary donations in Ron’s name are to be directed to the K9 unit for the City of Merrill and Lincoln County, the Lincoln County Humane Society, Wild Instincts in Rhinelander or the American Cancer Society.  Ron’s family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and thanks to the outstanding care and support that they received from the staff at The Aspirus Cancer Center / Oncology Unit in Wausau.

Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.