Kaye Turnwall, 78, died suddenly on Thursday, July 24, 2025 with her loving family by her side, at Sanford Hospital, Thief River Falls, MN.

A gathering time for family and friends to celebrate Kaye's life will be held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Monday, August 4, 2025 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Kaye Louise Kleinvachter, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was born on May 30, 1947, in Warren, Minnesota, to Frank and Judith (Holmstrom) Kleinvachter. She was baptized and later confirmed at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Strandquist, Minnesota, beginning a lifelong journey of faith. Kaye attended school in Strandquist, graduating with the Class of 1964. She went on to attend teacher's training at Bemidji State College, where she studied for three and three-quarter years.

In 1966, Kaye was united in marriage to Gregor Turnwall, and to this union two wonderful daughters were born: Roberta and Tracy. The family lived in various places over the years, including Goodridge, Minnesota, and New Jersey, before finally settling in the Twin Cities.

In the mid-1970's, Kaye met her life partner, Stanley Johnson.

Kaye worked various jobs throughout her life, including managing an apartment building, tending bar, and most recently serving as a gaming manager in St. Hilaire, Minnesota. Her strong work ethic and ability to connect with people were evident in every role she took on.

In her free time, Kaye enjoyed gardening, crocheting, cross-stitching, auction sales, feeding and watching the birds, mowing her yard, and visiting the casino. She was an avid fan of sporting events and looked forward each year to attending sprint car racing in Iowa — a tradition she cherished. She also played an active role in her community, running bingo at the Pennington County Fair, where her cheerful presence and dedication were appreciated by many.

Kaye was known for her generosity and kindness. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her warm heart, thoughtful nature, and unwavering support.

Survivors include her daughters, Roberta (Kevin) Walz and Tracy (Jeremy) Folland all of Karlstad, MN; grandchildren, Beau (Tiar) Newman, Ben "Elias" Newman, Marianna & Matias Folland, Devin (Mariah), Derrick & Dalton Corneliusen; great-grandchildren, Ezra, Theo, Calvin, and Camille; siblings, Marie Steffen, Joan Gehrls, June Kasprowicz, Lois (Matt Hammer) Kleinvachter, Jean Kleinvachter; Stanley's siblings, Thedore "Ted" of Las Vegas, NV, Bonnie of East Grand Forks, MN, Gary "Duke" (Sue) of Thief River Falls, MN, Linda of Glen Rock, WY, Jaye of Ojai, CA, Lenny (Teresa) of Thief River Falls, MN, Judy (Terry) Nelson of Thief River Falls, MN, LouAnn (David) Ellingson of Battle Lake, MN, Fay Johnson of Thief River Falls, MN and Tammy (Ray) Swick of Thief River Falls; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and life-partner, Stanley Johnson; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Steffen, Al Gehrls and Roger Kasprowicz; Stanley's daughter, Sara Corneliusen; Stanley's siblings, Danny, Richard "Rick" and Terry Johnson.