Leo Ralph Turpen

Leo Ralph Turpen, 75, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at Park Place in Great Falls MT. A memorial service will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Northwest Center, 2201 NW Bypass, Great Falls, MT. A service will also be held at St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Newell, South Dakota in early spring. A date and time will be announced later. Burial will be at Hope Cemetery in Newell, SD. Arrangements are in the care of O’Connor Funeral Home in Great Falls, MT, and Kline Funeral Chapel of Belle Fourche, SD. Leo was born in Arpan, South Dakota on July 25, 1942. He attended high school in Newell, SD. In Newell, Leo worked for Don West Tires and for Billy Schmele. Leo was a good hard worker. He also worked for Jerry Cooper Construction, Junior Henderson Construction, plus Bob Connor Wrecking Yard. Leo is survived by sister Eva Turpen Waters; brothers Adam (Sharry), Robert (June), and Leonard Turpen; many nieces and nephews; and many cousins and their families. Leo is also survived by his best friend, Billy Schmele of Newell. Billy and Leo were like brothers. Also of Newell is a good friend John Heisler, everyone at the Blue Line Diner, the Newell girls’ basketball team, plus many more friends of Newell. Of Great Falls, Leo is survived by many friends: Jim Smock, Jerry Cooper and family, Leo, Cheryl, Joyce, Georgia, Angela, and Tracey; plus so many more friends. You know who you are. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Richard Turpen and Katherine Heinert Turpen Shaw; brother Leroy Turpen; and sister Carolina R. Turpen Heffernan Pando. Special thank you to the following of Great Falls, MT for the excellent care given to Leo: Dr. Warr, Patsy, Dr. Addison, Benefis Hospital, Grandview, and Park Place; also Carol and Cristine of Park Place.