Francis Rudolf "Rudi" Turner Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Francis Rudolf (Rudi) Turner, 80 Bloomington, IN F. Rudolf (Rudi) Turner, 80, of Bloomington IN passed away January 25, 2018 at the Residence of McCormick’s Creek, Spencer, IN. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 17, 1937 and was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Francis Turner, mother Gretel Margarete Kreusler Turner and sister Gretel Susan Turner. Rudi graduated from Brighton high school in Rochester, NY in 1955 and obtained his Bachelor’s (1959) and Master’s (1962) of Science degrees in Biology from the University of Rochester, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Texas, Austin, TX in 1966 where he also did a post-doc in the Cell Research Institute until 1969. Employed for 48 years by the Biology Department at Indiana University, Rudi’s expertise in Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy benefited many IU Biology researchers. His most famous micrographs have appeared in biology textbooks. Rudi often combined his scientific interests with his love of art. He engaged in lapidary work and making jewelry inspired by nature by electroplating metals directly onto natural items like miniature orchids, leaves, and feathers. He had a lifelong interest in orchid culturing and breeding, specializing in miniature peloric Phalaenopsis. He generously supported local artisans and sponsored programs at WonderLab promoting archeology or science of art. He was an active member of the Lawrence County Rock and Mineral Club. Rudi was passionate about natural history and Bloomington Indiana provided a unique environment for him to pursue his interests in archaeology, paleontology, geology, and fossil hunting while combining it with his love of canoeing, nature walks, wildlife and photography. He enthusiastically shared these interests with others. In 2013, Rudi and colleague David Dilcher donated 68 acres of land in Greene county to the Sycamore Land Trust known as the Dilcher-Turner Canyon Forest to preserve this natural wonder for others to enjoy. A Celebration of Life followed by a brief memorial service will be held for friends at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Rd 37, Bloomington on February 24, 11 am to 1 pm, followed by a burial at Clear Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rudi’s name may be made to one of his favorite local organizations: WonderLab, Monroe County Animal Shelter, Sycamore Land Trust, or the Monroe County Historical Society. You are invited to share a memory or leave an online condolence at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Francis Rudolf "Rudi" Turner

September 17, 1937 - January 25, 2018