Wendell "Max" Turnquist, 86, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died April 1st, 2012, at the Grand Island Veteran's Home in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Max was born March 10th, 1926, in Gothenburg, Nebraska, on the Turnquist Farm, son of Godfrey Elam and Edith Lillian (Johnson) Turnquist Lindberg.

Max grew up in the New Hope and Etna area and graduated from Gothenburg High School. He served his country in the US Army in the Philippines where he received the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and the Philippine Liberation Service Ribbon and a bronze star. Max lived for a short while in Valley, Nebraska, where he met his wife Sue, they were married in Omaha, Nebraska. To this union, two children were born: Mitzi and Greg.

Max was very active in his community. He was the past president of the Gothenburg School Board and the Gothenburg Hospital Board, he also served on the Senior Center Board. He was a Commander in the American Legion, a Boys State Counselor, and a MOPS helper. He loved to garden and his children loved to be recipients of his produce, especially his tomatoes and potatoes. His passion was people. Max could always be counted on for conversation and a smile.

Survivors include his wife, Sue; daughter, Mitzi (Barrett) Stinson of Grand Island, Nebraska; son, Gregory (Holly) Turnquist; Rochester Hills, Michigan; two grandsons, Gaven and Kelton Turnquist; sister, Ellen Jean Dennis; brother, Donald Dale Turnquist (wife Kathy) along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Max was preceded in death by his parents; brother, G.E. Turnquist Jr, and brother-in-law, Bernard Dennis.

Register books signing will be held Wednesday, April 11th, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present from 6-8 p.m., at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be held at the First Baptist Church, Thursday, April 12th, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Bill Ivey officiating.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Education Foundation. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.