Roman Turbes

Roman W. Turbes, age 89 of Lakeland, passed away at home on September 10, 2025.

Roman was born on October 23, 1935 in Springfield, Minnesota, to Henry and Margaret (Heller) Turbes. He grew up on the family farm near Springfield and attended country school. Roman's father, Henry, died when he and his siblings were young and his family had to overcome adversity to meet their needs and manage the farm.

After leaving home, Roman moved east through southern Minnesota, eventually settling in the Twin Cities. He was united in marriage to Donna Hollerung on June 3, 1968, after the two met at a Shakey's Pizza. This was the beginning of their lifelong quest to find and enjoy great tasting pizza! The couple was blessed with two children, and the family made their home in Arden Hills. In retirement, Roman and Donna moved to Lakeland, Minnesota to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Roman worked as a salesman of machine tools for David Olson Sales Company. He took pride in his conscientious sales work and became friends with many of his customers.

A hard worker and steady provider, Roman was careful to save up for future need, and he and Donna helped substantially in putting their kids and grandkids through college. He was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand with car repairs and house projects, and he loved hearing the latest updates and new accomplishments of his grandkids.

Roman enjoyed spirited discussions at family gatherings. He was (unbeknownst to himself) an early adopter of the Midwest goodbye-his longest conversations typically took place after guests had indicated their intention to leave!

Roman loved going on drives through the countryside. He often stopped to browse car lots to research his next purchase. When it came time to buy, he was a tough but fair negotiator and wouldn't put up with car dealer games. He even walked away from a car deal when the price in person was $100 more than it was on the phone.

Roman enjoyed learning all kinds of things on TV, from news to history to keeping up on the latest crop prices and farming practices. When there was nothing else good to watch he would return to his special favorite, Shark Tank. In his younger days, you could find him snowmobiling, motorcycling, or enjoying time on his boat.

A lifelong Catholic, Roman was a parishioner of St. Rose of Lima in Roseville, and later of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in St. Croix Beach, where he found community and strength in his beliefs.

Roman will remain in the hearts of his wife of 57 years, Donna; children Sandra (Thomas Powers), and Joel; grandchildren Soren, Vaughn, Cole, and Lathan; and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings Harold, Lucille Stage, and infant sister Viola.

Mass of Christian Burial for Roman will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 20, 2025 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 16770 13th St S, Lake St. Croix Beach, MN. Visitation will be held from 10:30 - 11:00 AM prior to the Mass, at the church.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the amazing caregivers who supported Roman, including Alta, Del, Myra, Nancy, and others; and to the entire Lakeview Hospice team, especially Tammy and Abby. Your kindness made a difference.