Jeanette Marie Turner

Jeanette Marie (Heinze) Turner, age 83, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026 while in hospice care at Maplewood Terrace, Viroqua, Wisconsin, after a brief illness.

Jeanette was born on November 4, 1942 in La Crosse, Wisconsin to the late Elton and Elvera (Meyer) Heinze. She was the oldest of three children, raised on a farm in West Salem. As a young girl, she was active in the 4-H club showing Jersey cattle, and a cow named “Blondie” was her favorite. Jeanette graduated from Bangor High School in 1961 and later graduated from Western Wisconsin Technical Institute.

She married Jerry Weeden and although the marriage ended in divorce, they shared two wonderful sons, Eric and Dean. She then met and married LaVern Turner and they shared 10 wonderful years together before LaVern’s death in 1995. Jeanette and LaVern lived in Towerville and they were famous for hosting the best Memorial Day weekend chicken cookouts with many family and friends camping on their property.

Jeanette was a lifelong waitress and made great friends everywhere she worked. She worked for many years at Drugan’s Castle Mound (Supper Club) in Holmen, Wisconsin when she was raising her boys. When she and LaVern moved to Towerville, she worked at the Kickapoo Inn in Readstown and became known as the singing waitress. She touched so many lives in her job that she was recognized by people everywhere she went. Jeanette always had a smile and kind word or a joke for everyone she met.

Jeanette also had a green thumb and grew the best violets, Christmas cactus and amaryllis. She had several dogs and cats over the years and loved her pets dearly. She was also an avid crafter and knitter. She loved knitting for loved ones and knitted many baby blankets for the families at the Kickapoo United Lutheran Church, where she was a member.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Elton and Elvera (Meyer) Heinze; her first husband, Jerry Weeden; son, Dean Weeden; and her second husband, LaVern Turner.

She is survived by her son, Eric (Beth) Weeden; her brother, Keith (Jo) Heinze; her sister, Sandra (Richard) Yehl; stepchildren, Ron Turner, Debbie (Anthony) Yount, Pam (Mike) Kamm as well as grandchildren: Anna Weeden, Ben Weeden, Travis Turner, Ian Turner, Rachel (Ray) Ortiz, Paige Turner, Emily Turner, Cassie Yount, Aaron Yount, Nick Johnson, Allie Anderson and Adam Johnson. She is also survived by 6 great grandchildren: Violet Turner, Poncho Ortiz, Ryder Keeney, Treyden Keeney, Kenzlie Keeney, Haven Anderson, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Jeanette is now lovingly in the care of her Lord and Savior, where she is pain free and singing and dancing. She was well-loved and will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church, S8398A Co. Road J, Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin, 54655 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service officiated by Pastor Michele Engh beginning at 11:00 a.m. Jeanette will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. After the burial a lunch will be provided in the church basement.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice. 

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving Jeanette’s family.

123 W Decker Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

(608) 637-2100