Beloved Alumni and Community Leader Passes Away at 89

Owen Turnlund, Class of 1961, passed away on February 14th, 2024, at the age of 89.

His departure marks the end of a life defined by unwavering commitment to others, particularly his beloved wife, Muriel, and their cherished children.

Owen's journey began in the heart of Northeast Minneapolis, where he was raised. After earning a Master's in Social Work from the University of Minnesota in 1961, he secured a  prestigious Bush fellowship, which led him to a postgraduate residency at Harvard University in 1971.

Throughout his career, Owen left an indelible mark on various institutions, including the Hennepin County courts, Minneapolis Sheridan High School, and Lutheran Social Services. However, his most profound impact was felt during his tenure as the Director of Plymouth Christian Youth Center, where he dedicated 21 years to the betterment of North Minneapolis children and families.

Upon retirement, Owen continued his legacy of service through volunteer work, generously offering his time to organizations such as the Nawayee Center School and the AARP Foundation tax-aide program. His commitment to social justice, faith, the arts, nature, and above all, family, was unwavering. He and his wife Muriel celebrated 66 years of marriage together.

And together, they embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood, welcoming adopted children Daniel, Sarah, Eric, and Ann Betsy into their hearts, while also fostering the growth and well-being of Dung, Hung, Hahn, Tony, and Danny. Their expansive family brought them immeasurable joy, as they reveled in the roles of grandparents and kin-grandparents to a host of beloved grandchildren.

Owen donated generously to our school, and, says our director, Dr. Joan Blakey, "He did great things such as help establish the MN federation of Alternative Schools so that students who were kicked out of other schools had a place to go, and so that alternative schools could be financially sustained." 

"All but one of his foster children were placed in his home after being rejected by their initial placement," says Dr. Blakey. "Owen Turnlund used his privilege to the advantage of so many."

A memorial service in honor of Owen's remarkable life will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 11 AM at Plymouth Church, located at 1919 LaSalle Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55403. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Owen's memory to the Plymouth Christian Youth Center, care of Megan Fair, at 2210 Oliver Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55411, or online at: pcyc-mpls.org.