Leslie Robert Turner, age 66, of Bremen, IN, passed away Monday, July 13, 2026 after a valiant battle with cancer. He was born in Peru, IN on July 18, 1959 to Joseph Gene and Carolyn Sue (Mayberry) Turner, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; two sons: Jason Turner (Chrissy Amaral) and Joshua (Maryssa) Turner and two grandchildren: Joel and Seth Turner. He is also survived by a sister: Laura (Gary) Troyer.

During high school, Les worked as a DJ at WARU Radio in Peru, IN. After graduating from Peru High School in 1977, he proudly served in the Navy as a fire-control technician. During this time, he met and married his wife, Judith A. Loveland, August 18, 1979. Les was honorably discharged in 1983 and returned to WARU as News Director. In 1985, he was hired by WNDU-TV, South Bend, IN as a broadcast engineer.

In the early 1980’s, Les’ discovery of personal computers changed the trajectory of his life. Not only did he become an expert in everything about them, he also had a unique ability to communicate complex technology in easy to understand ways. In 1987, he started a small computer business on the side which led to him being hired by the Northern Indiana Educational Services Center in 1993. He was Director of Technology, consulting 36 school corporations in north-central Indiana.

During this time, Les was actively involved with HECC (Hoosier Educational Computer Coordinators), NEBSA (National Educational Broadband Service Association), and VOL (Views On Learning – a national non-profit which provides technology grants for education). After retiring from NIESC in 2019, Les became Executive Director of VOL until 2023.

Les played baseball in high school, softball in the navy, softball on three South Bend teams simultaneously, and later coached Bremen Little League for several years. He played and coached with all the logic and calculation that he used in technology. He also restored and collected antique radios and vintage stereo equipment.

For 13 years, he coached Lego Robotics, mentoring 9-14 year olds in STEM, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem solving skills through robotic competitions. His Bremen Botz! team placed 1st or 2nd almost every year at regionals and 1st or 2nd at state six times. They competed at international competitions 3 times, including once in Taiwan. Their highest achievement was in 2013 winning the Gracious Professionalism Award at the World Festival International Competition.

Les was past commander of the Bremen VFW and the Bremen American Legion.

He was also a Gideon and a member of the Marshall County Ham Radio Club.

Visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Bremen Missionary Church, 2958 Elm Road, Bremen. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the church with Rev. Kurt Litwiller officiating. Burial will follow in Bremen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to be made to: The Gideons (Nappanee Gideon Camp, P.O. Box 431, Nappanee, IN 46550) or Arthur & Ruth Brown St. Vincent House (lodging facility for families of patients receiving care at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital) 2031 Dugan Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46260