Leighton Elroy Turvold, 91, of Austin, died at Austin Medical Center Friday afternoon, Feb. 25, 2011.

He was born Feb. 9, 1920, to Ole O. and Nellie (Sime) Turvold in Northwood, Iowa, where he attended school and married Jean Neste on April 27, 1939. Leighton joined the Navy on May 7, 1944, where he served in World War II as a machinist mate. After earning his third-class stripe, he was honorably discharged on March 18, 1956. He returned to the Midwest, making his home in Austin to work for Geo. A. Hormel and Company. Leighton and Jean raised two daughters before Leighton retired from Hormel after 42 years. Jean passed away in 1995. He was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, American Legion and VFW; and he enjoyed traveling, fishing and hunting. Leighton liked antique cars and loved dancing and big band music. He was proud to be on the Honor Flight in 2010.

Survivors include two daughters, Cynthia (Wayne) Moretz of Bozeman, Mont., Lana (Roger) Epley of Austin; five grandchildren, Belinda (John) Leister of Bozeman, Rodd (Kristy) Moretz of Fairbanks, Ala., Sarah Epley of The Woodlands, Texas, Todd (Rebecca) Epley of Prior Lake, Anne (Chad) Moe of Hudson, Wiss; eight great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Carroll Low of Lake Mills, Iowa; sister-in-law, Edna Turvold of Northwood, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean; three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Pastor Ron Barnett officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Monday at Worlein Funeral Home, Austin, and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, with military rites by American Legion Post 91 and VFW Post 1216. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.