Maple Hill Cemetery

Gen. George E. Turnmeyer, 92, died at his residence in Huntsville on April 2, 2018. He entered the Army as a private in 1944 and retired as a Major General in 1977.Turnmeyer was born on July 12, 1925 in Dubuque, Iowa to Louise Kovanda and George Turnmeyer. He is survived by his son, retired Lt. Col. Robert Turnmeyer; grandson, Edward Turnmeyer (Erin); and two great-grandchildren, Zoe and Jack Turnmeyer. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean F. Turnmeyer, daughter Ann L. Turnmeyer, and grandson, James Turnmeyer.Turnmeyer’s citations and awards include the Army Distinguished Service Medal. He completed an MBA in Industrial Management at Babson Institute.Turnmeyer made outstanding contributions to his adopted home town, both as Commanding General of the Army Missile Command and through his community service. In retirement he devoted his time, energy and expertise to numerous civic projects for the benefit of Huntsville’s civilian and military community.As MICOM Commander, Turnmeyer was highly regarded, not only for his professionalism and expertise, but also for his compassion for the Soldier. During his command, construction on Redstone Arsenal included the Bicentennial Chapel and a new Post Exchange and Commissary, and he was instrumental in the later construction of a New Officers Club and a modern barracks complex. Turnmeyer also recognized that a synergistic relationship between the Redstone Arsenal military community and the Huntsville civilian community was essential, and worked tirelessly to achieve this. Major contributions to the community included donation of Redstone Arsenal land for a major expansion of the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center, and for construction of athletic fields. The Huntsville Botanical Gardens were also built on this land. For his military achievements Turnmeyer was inducted into the exclusive Ordnance Corps Hall of Fame in 1990.While retired, Turnmeyer continued to exhibit the same dedication to the Huntsville/Redstone community that he displayed during his working years. As President of the Bicentennial Chapel Histo... (Theredstonerocket)