Bill Turner receives prestigous award
Pictured for the presentation are, from left: Charlotte Karr, Marie Bristol, Darlene Sorensen, Bill Turner holding his award, Vicki Johnston, Nicholas Inman and Teri Myers.
Bill Turner was recently named a recipient of the 2025 Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Award alongside author Matali Perkins.
Turner, a longtime supporter and benefactor of the annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival. He was honored for his generosity and faithful support, which help make the festival possible each year.
The festival is held annually at the Ann Short Turner Community Center in Mansfield, which is named in honor of Turner’s late wife, Ann Short Turner.
On May 1, members of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Children’s Literature Festival committee traveled to Turner’s rural Strafford home to present him with the distinguished award.
Prior to the presentation, Turner shared brief remarks and several stories, including a memory of visiting with Laura Ingalls Wilder herself to solicit a donation for his Mansfield High School graduating class senior trip.