MIDLAND, MI − Johann M. Turner, co−founder of Northwood University, passed away on Sunday, October 15 at the age of 75 at her home in Midland, MI.

Dr. Timothy Nash, provost of the Michigan campus, said, "Johann Turner was the first lady of Northwood University. In many ways, we lost the heart and soul of Northwood University. She was the kind of person, if you had a chance to spend some time with her, who would have made you feel like you were the only person in the room. She will be greatly missed."

Johann was born on May 1, 1931 in Cedar Springs. Her early years were spent in Florida and Cedar Springs where she graduated from Cedar Springs High School as valedictorian and received the D.A.R. (Daughters of the American Revolution) award. Continuing her education at Alma College, she met her husband−to−be, Arthur E. Turner, the son of Grace (Champlain) Turner and Alvin S. Turner of Hemlock. Johann and Arthur were married on May 10, 1953 in the Alma College Chapel.

Mrs. Turner along with her husband Arthur E. Turner founded the business university along with co−founders Gary and Willa Stauffer and her parents Wesley P. and Berneda Jordan in March of 1959. Established in Alma and instilled with the ideals of free enterprise, the school moved to Midland along with the Turners in 1964 and later established campuses in Cedar Hill, TX, and West Palm Beach, FL.

Known as "Gramma Jo" to her grandchildren, Turner was honored by Northwood as a distinguished woman and later received an honorary doctor of humanities degree for her contributions to the school and community. The Johann M. Turner and Arthur E. Turner Education Center on the university’s campus in West Palm Beach was given by friends in their honor in 1987.