Robert “Lynn” Turnquist, age 75, died of natural causes on Wednesday, January 15, in Helena, MT. He was born February 16, 1949, in Missoula, MT, the only child of Margaret M. (Garrison) and Nels E. Turnquist. Lynn, as he was known, moved to Helena at an early age with his parents, where his father was a successful banker. Lynn attended Central and Hawthorn grade schools, C.R. Anderson Junior High and graduated from Helena High in 1967. After attending Washington State University for one year, he transferred to the University of Montana in Missoula. After receiving a degree in history, he taught at Lodge Grass, MT for three years. Returning to Missoula, he eventually obtained a master’s degree in mathematics. He taught math at Whitehall High School and at Helena High. He went on to teach at University of Montana Western in Dillon and Utah Valley University at Orem, Utah. He retired from that position after several years and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, enjoying his retirement there. In November 2020, Montana again beckoned, and he returned to Helena, where he lived until his passing. He was kind, generous, always a gentleman and was deeply engaged in whatever he was doing, which was never – ever – housekeeping. He loved, in no particular order: mathematics, the Grizzlies, backpacking – especially in the Bob Marshall – fly fishing, the Three Stooges, trains, Montana, and his friends, of which there were many. His friends returned that affection and will miss him greatly. Contributions on behalf of Lynn may be made to the University of Montana Foundation in Missoula, St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Helena, or a charity of your choosing. There will be a gathering for friends at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602 in the reception hall on Monday, February 17, 2025 starting at 12pm.
Service Schedule
Funeral Reception
12:00 pm
Monday February 17, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
Service Schedule
Funeral Reception
12:00 pm
Monday February 17, 2025
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N Montana Ave.
Helena, MT 59602
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jeff and melissa sherlock says
Sorry to hear this. I have known Lynn since our days at Helena High. He was a really nice guy and he will be missed. Peace to his family.
Margaret L Woo says
This is sad news. I knew Lynn at UM. I can’t remember how we met. He was one of the nicest guys. When I moved to Helena, I would see him now and then while he was teaching at Helena High. He once took me fly fishing on the Blackfoot and tried to teach me how. Unfortunately, I was a poor student, but he was so patient. We lost touch after he moved. I wish I had been able to see him again after her returned to Helena. Condolences to hs family and friends.
Steve Armstrong says
My chance meeting of Lynn while teaching at Helena High was most interesting. Turnquist was an unusual last name and Lynn had a slight appearance of my uncle, who was the brother of Lynn’s father. That’s how I introduced myself to Lynn, asking if he had an uncle named Carl Turnquist. We visited a few times during his brief stay at HHS, but after we left Helena High for the Chicago area and Lynn left Helena High for Utah, we lost contact. Technically, we weren’t cousins in the sense of actual cousins, but we had that distant familial relationship due to our shared Uncle Carl. I enjoyed our conversations. I know that he has no real family remaining as he was an only child, but I am grateful to learn that he had really great friends along his journey.
Barb O'Connell says
… A quiet genuine soul!
Mary Kay Bennett says
Knew and loved Lynn’s parents at the time his dad Nels was president of First National Bank in Helena.
May he rest in peace..never met Lynn but he was very bright just like his parents.
Bill A. says
Hi…knew Lynn from the dorm 1967 U of M. We became good friends. He loved country music. Tammy Wynet, Jim Ed Brown, pop a top again. And stories of Charlie Pried, E. Helena. We went fishing sometimes. A great Montanan. A good person. I’ll miss him. Bill A. Kalispell