Dr. Brian Turnquist Obituary

Brian Richard Turnquist, 61, passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 5, 2025, after a courageous battle with an aggressive variant of Alzheimer’s, a disease which ultimately took his life but never took his gentle tone, wonderful laugh, and magnetic personality.

Brian was born on July 18, 1964, to Bob and Carole (Armstrong) Turnquist. He graduated from Urbandale High School in 1982 and went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 1990. He completed his graduate work in prosthodontics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and his residency at the Kansas City VA Hospital. He was a proud member of the American College of Prosthodontists and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Iowa, mentoring the next generation of dental professionals. A loyal member of Pi Kappa Alpha during his time at Iowa, Brian remained a proud Hawkeye fan throughout his life, also cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Yankees.

Brian dedicated his professional life to serving others through his work at Premier Prosthodontists. He was known not only for his clinical excellence, but for his compassionate care, often donating his time and expertise to those in need. His gentle demeanor and warm presence left a lasting impact on countless people.

Outside of his profession, Brian loved the outdoors. He found peace and joy in fishing, golfing, pheasant hunting with his beloved dog Cooper, and traveling with his wife, Shannon. An active member of Life Church, Brian also gave back through volunteering at the Urbandale Food Pantry and through his unwavering support of his family and community.

Above all, Brian was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He loved nothing more than being involved in his children’s lives and supporting their academic and athletic endeavors. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines, coaching Colby in Hockey or Emily in softball, Brian was always there. He even proudly helped coach his nephew and Godson, Fletcher.

Left to cherish Brian’s memory is his loving wife, Shannon; parents, Bob and Carole Turnquist; children: Colby Turnquist, Emily (Andrew Patterson) Turnquist, Hunter (Letitia Sutton) Roach, McKenna Ussery, and Faith Ussery; brothers, Eric Turnquist and Alan Turnquist; nieces, Alyssa and Julia Turnquist; nephew, Fletcher Turnquist; great nephew, Elijah; and many other loving family and friends.

Brian’s family kindly asks in lieu of flowers, memorials in his name be directed to Lorenzo’s House whose mission is to help families affected by younger-onset dementia; or Dental Lifeline Network which has the mission of providing dental care for those in need.

Family will greet guests from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Life.Church in Clive, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Life.Church. Brian will be interred in Chapel Hill Cemetery following services. A celebration of life luncheon will take place at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston, Iowa at 1:30 p.m. following the burial.

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