Kenneth R. Turpin

Kenneth R. Turpin was born on April 4, 1951 at Valentine, NE to Harold and Rose (Koralewski) Turpin. He entered eternal rest on April 11, 2026, a week after his 75th birthday, at his home north of Newport, NE surrounded by family.

Ken was raised in rural Rock County. Growing up he helped his dad on the farm. He graduated from Rock County High School in 1969. Following school, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1971. Ken served as a mechanic in Germany and was honorably discharged in 1973. During his military service he received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, Sharp Shooter M-16 and Expert Hand Grenade. Ken met Milinda Dillon and they were married on March 23, 1977. Together they had three children: Chauncey (Herby), Misty and Kenneth Jr.

Ken was ever the hard worker and instilled a strong work ethic in his family. In his younger days, he worked at the Red Robin Service Station and the Ford Garage in Bassett. He worked for the Rock County Road Department for 25 years before going into business for himself. After his parents passing, he took over the family farm north of Newport. Ken was known as the dozer man and did dirt work for many of the area farmers and ranchers. At one time, Ken got his explosive license and used that in his business to blow out beaver dams, beaver huts and tree stumps.

Ken never knew a stranger and loved to visit with anyone and everyone. He loved tinkering with cars. Before having his family, he owned a purple Dodge Dart that he raced on the weekends. He took the family on many road trips to look at heavy equipment. Ken was an avid outdoorsman. As time allowed, he took his family fishing, hunting and camping. He instilled a great love of the outdoors in his family and told them to always leave outdoor spaces better than they found them. Ken would often take drives around the countryside to view wildlife.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents: Harold and Rose Turpin and his brothers: Gene Turpin and Jim Turpin. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Milinda of rural Newport; sons, Chauncey of Fremont, NE and Kenneth Jr. of Long Pine, NE; daughter, Misty (Jason) Hasselquist of Kearney, NE; his grandchildren: Destiny (Austin) Turek of Fort Worth, TX, Drake Hasselquist of Kearney, Tailor, Stevei and Kennedei Turpin all of Long Pine; five sisters-in-law, Kathy Turpin, Monica Turpin, Ellie Dillon and Bobbi Hempel all of Bassett, NE and Judy (Orven) Hulshizer of Crofton, NE along with nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Service was held on Friday, April 17, 2026 in the Newport Fire Hall. Interment followed in the Willowdale Cemetery northwest of Newport. Pastor Stephen Pierce officiated at the event. The music selections of “Strong Enough To Bend” by Tanya Tucker, “Daddy Was Never The Cadillac Kind” by Confederate Railroad and “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn were played. A eulogy was given by Kenneth Turpin Jr. and others. Casketbearers were: Loren Ammon, Ryan Stewart, Karl Connell, Rick Steskal, Rich Munk and Al Armstrong. Honorary Casketbearers were: All of Kenneth’s Other Friends and Family. Military Honors were conducted by Bassett American Legion Post #123. Memorials were suggested to the Aseracare Hospice Program or the Newport Volunteer Fire Department. Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett was in charge of the arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.