Charles Turnipseed

Charles Turnipseed, age 95, of Merna, Nebraska, passed away on October 16, 2026, at Brookstone View in Broken Bow.

Funeral services will be held on Friday October 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. The burial with military honors will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery at Callaway. A visitation and time to greet the family will be held on Friday 12:30 PM until service time at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Memorials are suggested to the Merna Fire and Rescue Department. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements and words of encouragement and remembrance can be left at www.govierbrothers.com .

Charles was born on October 26, 1930, in Wellman, Iowa, to Virgil and Hazel (Sterner) Turnipseed. He fondly remembered his early childhood on the family farm before moving to Nebraska at age seven. He graduated from Ansley High School in 1950 and pursued farming before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1952. He proudly served during the Korean War, earning the Korean Service, United Nations Service, and National Defense medals, and was later honored with a Challenge Coin from the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs in 2026. He was discharged in May 1955 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

On June 14, 1953, Charles married Geraldine Halliwill at the Callaway Methodist Church. After his military service at George Air Force Base in Victorville, California, the couple returned to Nebraska. They farmed on Cliff Table and in Othello Valley before moving to Merna in 1977.

A skilled mechanic and builder, Charles spent winters working on projects in his shop, including building a fishing boat and a custom three-wheeled tractor for farm chores and family fun. He enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, playing cards, and socializing. Known for his playful sense of humor and quick wit, he loved sharing stories with family and friends. Above all, his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Charles is survived by his children: Carlene Orman of Anacortes, WA; Linda Turnipseed of Ravenna, NE; Dena (Roger) Blakeman of Broken Bow, NE; Diana (Tom) Henry of North Platte, NE; and Wes (Makenzi) Turnipseed of Ord, NE; his grandson, Jason Blakeman of Broken Bow, NE; and his brother, Carl (Gwen) Sterner of Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Geraldine; his brother, Keith Sterner; and his sister, Esther Turnipseed.