Reggie Turner

In Loving Memory of Reginald Turner – Service held on 3/19/22

VISITATION & SERVICES FOR REGGIE TURNER

Visitation at the Heritage – Suminski / Weiss Funeral Home, 1901 N. Farwell Ave. Milwaukee on Sat. March 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 12:00 Noon.

Reggie will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery, 6401 N. 43rd Street (N. 43rd Street at W. Mill Road) at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 21st – PLEASE MEET AT THE CEMETERY.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are greatly appreciated.

On July 15, 1966 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Earlean Turner and Alton Taet welcomed their first son – naming him Reginald Bernard Turner.  Her relationship did not work out and she did marry for a short time – these relationships brought Reggie two younger brothers, Gregory and Hans Jr.

Reggie and his brothers grew up in Milwaukee – attending Cass Street School and Riverside University High School.  Even as a single mother, Earlean found time to volunteer at Cass Street School – providing the boys with a valuable life-lesson:  “Family First.”

As a kid, Reggie was always on the go and spent much of his free time playing sports.  Reggie was a talented artist – creating many drawings and paintings throughout the years

Reggie’s mother never drove and so growing up, they had to take the bus everywhere – which is possibly how Reggie developed his love for cars.  As soon as he was able, he bought a car. He could often be found working on his car – that is when he wasn’t out with one of the many girlfriends he had as a teenager and young adult.

Reggie took some college courses before attending truck driving courses.  Upon getting his trucking license, he began working at USF Holland – where he continued to work until his passing.  Reggie forged many friendships through his many loyal years of service there.

His “ladies-man” era ended when he met Diane Simmons – they married in 1997 – honeymooning in Hawaii.  Growing up, Reggie learned an important lesson from his mother – your family should always come first, and family doesn’t necessarily mean related by blood. Diane brought two children, Anthony and Angela, into the marriage.

Reggie, remembering what he learned from his mother, embraced his new role of not only husband, but father and role model as well.  While the marriage ended in 2007, Reggie’s relationship with Diane remained amicable and he continued his role as “father” to Anthony and Angela – eventually being blessed with three grandchildren:  Iyana, Akyra and Kaleb.

Reggie enjoyed travelling whether it was honeymooning in Hawaii or going on a cruise with Diane or simply getting out on his motorcycle and seeing where the road would lead him.

Reggie was devoted to his mother and could often be found helping her – he especially enjoyed picking her up in one of his sports cars and taking her on her errands or to a family reunion.

In his spare time, Reggie enjoyed motorcycling, playing fantasy football and watching sports – he supported all the Wisconsin teams and was also a NASCAR fan.  His true passion was sports cars, with his blue Shelby Mustang being his pride and joy.

Reggie was fun and outgoing; he had a personality that could light up a room just with his presence.  Reggie was also a man of faith and led by example.  He was a kind and caring man – always ready to lend a hand.  His devotion to his family and friends was singular – and his loyalty to those he cared about was remarkable.

Reggie joined his beloved mother, Earlean Hennicke in Heaven on February 27, 2022 when he passed away unexpectedly – he was only 55 years old.  He leaves a void in the lives of his children Anthony and Angela and grandchildren:  Iyana, Akyra and Kaleb. His brothers Gregory Turner and Hans Hennicke, Jr. will be eternally grateful for their big brother – his example and support throughout their lives will never be forgotten.   He will be fondly remembered by his niece and nephew, Jasmine and Javon.  He will also be greatly missed by his extended family – Mark, Martina, and Jason, his former wife Diane Turner, his Holland Trucking “family” as well as countless other relatives and good friends.