HOBART - Grant W. Turner, age 86, passed away peacefully with his beloved wife Joan at his side in the early morning hours of February 23, 2025, at Emerald Bay Memory Care after a courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was born in Milwaukee on September 22, 1938, the only child to John and Dorothy (Martell) Turner.

Grant was a devoted father, husband, teacher, principal, coach and one of the best ambassadors for the Green Bay Packers, serving as a long-standing head tour guide for the Green and Gold. His trademark "Go Pack Go" on his tours will forever be etched in the minds of many fans who had the fortune of taking his tours. He also holds the distinction of being the only person to successfully interrupt one of former head coach Mike McCarthy's press conferences with his loud, booming voice. "That's just Grant," McCarthy joked to the press corps as Grant was giving one of his enthusiastic tours nearby.

Grant graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1956, a key player in the school's state championship football team. He also qualified for state on the school's track and field team in the 100-yard dash and 880-yard relay team. Due to his sports prowess, he was nicknamed "Bulldog" by then Green Bay-Press Gazette sports reporter Lee Remmel, who later became a public relations icon for the Green Bay Packers. That nickname stuck with Grant for his entire life.

He then took his talents to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he played on the football team. After one semester, he transferred north and enrolled at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Mich., where he also played on the school's football team while earning a bachelor's degree in secondary education.

While attending college, he met the love of his life, Joan Wittman, while home on break in Green Bay. That chance meeting must have been fate because a year later they met again and started dating. After hitchhiking several times to see her during his college years at Marquette, they were ultimately married on Sept. 15, 1962, in Brillion, Wis. Their everlasting love extended for more than 60 years. Grant has said many times that he would never have achieved his successes in life without Joan's unwavering support. That was never more evident than in his final hours as Joan was by his bedside offering love, compassion and support. Some things never change.

They began their life journey together in Two Rivers, Wis., as Grant accepted a teaching and coaching job at Two Rivers Washington High School, spending 4-1½ years there. He then accepted a teaching job at New Holstein High School, where he also became the head football coach. At this time, Grant and Joan were also busy raising their three, young children, a job Grant never treated lightly.

After nearly 12 years in the classroom as a history teacher, Grant turned his sights on administration, earning a master's degree from Winona State University in Winona, Minn., frequently driving the 3-hour trip in the summers from New Holstein to Winona. As principal, his legendary, booming voice frequently filled the halls of NHHS, as students and staff could attest through the 1980s and 1990s. He often said he loved the relationships he formed with many of the students over the years. Even in his final days, students he taught and coached nearly 50 years earlier would still come visit him. Grant would reminisce with them about school memories and even specific plays while he was coaching football.

As principal at NHHS, Grant would often be seen with his assistant principal, George Brandenstein, patrolling the halls and school grounds at lunch time, respectfully being called "G-Force," a moniker reinforced on their car's license plate.

As head boys' track coach at NHHS, many athletes still remember Grant for his encouraging words while they were competing in their events. Grant's voice could often be heard above the roar of the crowd, offering encouragement that was very much appreciated by his athletes. Many of his athletes over his 20-year coaching tenure also qualified for the state meet, a testament to Grant's great coaching ability.

Grant was an avid long-distance runner himself, often sharing the New Holstein roadways with his running buddies, Ron Karrels and Jim Burnett. Once an athlete, always an athlete, he was known to say to his friends.

After retiring from administration after nearly 20 years in New Holstein, Grant and Joan returned to live in Grant's hometown of Green Bay. While living there, he turned his sights on another passion: tour guide for the Green Bay Packers. A review from one of his tours said, "Having Grant give you a tour is a MUST for any true Packers fan." His tours have been highlighted on national and local television and newspaper outlets. He was even a special guest on former Packers player Antonio Freeman's show. Further, he was featured on a Kemp's Ice Cream commercial at Lambeau Field, sharing the stage with a huge, Holstein cow.

While fighting to control his Parkinson's Disease, Grant was a mainstay at the Rock Steady Boxing classes in Green Bay. He was often the emotional cheerleader for his classmates, using his enthusiasm and charisma to inspire others to do their best. Also, while living at Emerald Bay Memory Care, Grant could also be heard encouraging others with his trademark enthusiasm. Residents and staff there say they will miss Grant immensely.

Grant is survived by his loving wife Joan of Green Bay; three children: Craig (Nilsa Rezzonico) of Orlando, Fla.; Wade of New London, Wis.; Alison (John Anderson) of Madison, Wis.; five grandchildren: Jordan Turner of Nashville, Tenn.; Andrea Rezzonico of Brooklyn, NY.; Riley Turner of Atlanta, Ga; Vanessa Turner of Madison, Wis.; Lexi Turner of Stevens Point, Wis; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Grant was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dorothy Turner.

The Turner family would like to thank the dedicated and caring staff at Emerald Bay Memory Care and especially the caregivers at St. Croix Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 28; Parish Wake to follow at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., (The entrance is directly across from BP gas station on Glendale Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. (NOON) on Saturday, March 1; Requiem Mass will begin at noon. Entombment will take place in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Rock Steady Boxing Western Racquet and Fitness Club, 2500 S. Ashland Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 or online at https://www.hshs.org/st-vincent/community/giving/donate . Please add the note: "In memory of Grant Turner" and use the drop-down menu to select and designate donations to Rock Steady Boxing