Floyd Loren “Pete” Turbett, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away Saturday, March 14, 2026, surrounded by family after a valiant battle with cancer.
Pete was born October 28, 1944, in Mount Pleasant, the youngest son of Loren Edward and Margaret Elinor (Beery) Turbett. Pete never had the opportunity to meet his father, as Loren was killed in action on January 18, 1945, during World War II’s Battle of the Bulge. Pete grew up on a farm west of Salem with his three siblings and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School with the Class of 1963.
Shortly after graduation, Pete answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam, was honorably discharged as a Private First Class, and returned home to Salem.
On January 31, 1969, at the First United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, he was united in marriage to Marlys Ann Woepking by Rev. C. Dendy Garrett. Together they built a life rooted in family, laughter, and hard work. The couple first made their home in Salem before moving to Mt. Pleasant in 1976.
Pete worked several jobs early in his career, including Benner Tea Company in Burlington, the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middletown, and Mitchell Engineering in Mt. Pleasant. He later began what would become a long and proud career with the Rural Electric Association as a journeyman lineman. As the company evolved into the Rural Electric Cooperative and later Access Energy, Pete remained a dedicated employee, eventually retiring as a District Foreman after 32 years of service.
Pete carried deep pride in being a veteran. He was a Life Member of VFW Post 2561, a Life Member of AMVETS Post 44, a member of the American Legion Robert Tribby Post 58, and a Valued Veteran Member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1003, all of Mt. Pleasant.
Those who knew Peter Rabbit knew he loved a good laugh. In his spare time, he was an avid softball player and a legendary joke-teller. When his softball days began to wind down, he could often be found enjoying or competing in a game of billiards, which he perfected while in the Marine Corps. He later picked up the game of golf and loved spending time on the golf course.
Those thankful for sharing in Pete’s life include his wife of 114 years (Pete often liked to give each of them credit for their 57 years shared) Marlys of Mt. Pleasant; three daughters and their husbands: Tiffany (Larry) Menke of Mt. Pleasant, Kendra (Steven) Klein of Salem, and Tricia (Eric) Brignani of Nampa, Idaho; eleven grandchildren — Lauren, Morgan, Derek, Courtney, Christian, Gabriel, Katelyn, Steven Paul, Devon, Ryan, and Anthony; seven great-grandchildren with one more on the way; and his brother-in-law, John Leveling of Ft. Madison.
Pete was welcomed into heaven by his parents and siblings — Marilyn Leveling, Terry Turbett, and Martha Mae Turbett — along with grandparents, special friends gone too soon, and babies and grandbabies he never met this side of heaven.
Friends may call to sign the register from 12-7 PM on Saturday, March 21 at the Kimzey Funeral Home, 213 North Main Street, Mt. Pleasant. The family will not be present on Saturday. The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM on Sunday, March 22 at the Veterans Hall, 103 South Jackson Street, Mt. Pleasant. Pete’s funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Sunday at the Veterans Hall. The Rev. Trey Hegar will officiate. Military Honors will be given as part of the funeral service. A private family burial will occur in the Salem East Cemetery, Salem, IA.
Those considering an expression of sympathy may direct memorials to the family for decisions to be made in the future. Online condolences may be directed to www.kimzeyfh.com.
