Guenlan June Turk

Gwen was born June 10, 1942, in Coleman, Texas. When she was a teenager, the family moved to California, where they settled in Exeter. Gwen graduated from Exeter High School in 1959.

Gwen and her family attended the Exeter United Pentecostal Church. It was there that she met her future husband, Jerry Brokaw. Jerry and Gwen were married on July 9, 1960. They moved to Salinas CA for an employment opportunity. While in Salinas, the family grew with the birth of Jerome in 1961, Dalan in 1962, and Stanton in 1966.  The family returned to Visalia CA in 1968.

Gwen and her family attended the United Pentecostal Church in Visalia, where she taught Sunday School and directed the youth group.  Gwen also partnered with her sister, Libby, and opened Classic Wigs and Styling on Main Street. She would later work in the accounting department at Real Fresh Food Manufacturing.

In December of 1980, Jerry died suddenly, leaving Gwen with three teenaged sons. With the help of friends and family Gwen carried on. Jerome and Dalan married and moved away from Visalia.  Sometime later, she and Stan moved to Bakersfield to be close to Jerome and his family.

It was in Bakersfield that Gwen met Otis Turk. Otis and Gwen married on March 12,1988. With the marriage, Gwen was delighted to welcome Otis’ children, Kathy, David, and Craig and their families into her world. She enjoyed her expanded family, making sure everyone felt loved equally.  Otis and Gwen made their home in Bakersfield and enjoyed traveling the states in their motorhome.  

In 1997, Jerome and his family moved to Texas.  Otis and Gwen followed soon after.  They were very involved in their church and enjoyed living on Galveston Bay.  From their deck, Otis would watch the ship traffic and shrimp boats, and Gwen enjoyed reading in the sun. Otis and Gwen supplemented their retirement by securing leases for an oil company. They worked as a team and received praise from their employers for their excellent work.

Declining health brought Otis and Gwen back to California in 2021.  They enjoyed the hospitality of Gwen’s sister Libby, who took them into her home. As their care needs grew, Otis moved to his daughter Kathy’s home in 2024. Libby and other caregivers continued to care for Gwen as Alzheimers robbed her of her vibrant personality, her memory, and her mobility.

Gwen suffered a medical emergency on September 20, 2025, and was transported to Kaweah Health.  Surrounded by loving family, Gwen passed into the arms of her Savior three days later.

Gwen was preceded in death by her parents, L.G. and Ola Mae Leonard; first husband, Jerry Brokaw; sister, Mary Leonard; Infant brother Roger Dale Leonard; second husband, Otis Turk; and great-grandson Daniel Zuniga.

Gwen is survived by her sisters, Sheila Marcum and Libby Clark; brother, George (Vicky) Leonard; sons, Jerome (Terri) Brokaw, Dalan (Paula) Brokaw, Stan (Tawnia) Brokaw; daughter Kathy (Larry) Lutz; and sons David Turk and Craig (Betty) Turk.  She also leaves 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Sunday, October 5th at The Journey, 316 NW Third St, Visalia. Viewing from 3;00 to 4;00. Service starts at 4;00. Graveside will be on Monday, October 6th at Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E Marinette Ave, Exeter at 10;00

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