Wayne Torkelson

Wayne A. Torkelson, age 81, of Sunburg, died Friday evening, November 20, at the Mariam Manor in Sunburg.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, at Hope Lutheran Church in Sunburg. Interment will be at West Norway Lake Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, November 27, at Hope Lutheran Church and will continue for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Sunburg. www.petersonbrothers.com
Wayne A. Torkelson was born on January 4, 1934, on the family farm in Hayes Township, Swift County, Minnesota, the son of Thorwald and Alma (Skare) Torkelson. He grew up in the Sunburg area, was baptized and confirmed at West Norway Lake Lutheran Church and received his education from the District #86 country school. In 1952, Wayne began working at the Sunburg Creamery and later at the First District Creamery. On August 13, 1960, Wayne was united in marriage to Marion A. Haugen and they made their home in Sunburg. From 1987 to 1997, Wayne owned and operated Wayne's Grocery Store in Sunburg. After retirement, he worked part time as a cook at The Club 104 in Sunburg and the Ka-De-Shack in Brooten.
Wayne was a member of Hope Lutheran Church. He served on the Sunburg City Council for many years and was elected Mayor. He was a volunteer on the Sunburg Fire Department for over 31 years and a past Grand Marshall for the Syttende Mai parade celebration in Sunburg. Wayne was a 37 year member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and member of the Willmar Senior Citizens. His hobbies included cooking, baking, dancing and listening to "old time music". He enjoyed traveling, especially fishing trips to Alaska and visiting family in Arizona. Wayne also enjoyed making klub and lefse with his brothers for the holidays. Wayne will be best remembered for his willingness to help others in need, especially his children and always had a smile on his face.
He is survived by his two children, Lori Torkelson and Larry Torkelson, both of Sunburg; five brothers, Elmo Torkelson of Willmar, Ronald (and Marlys) Torkelson of Kerkhoven, Elverd (and Judy) Torkelson of Willmar, Lowell (and Barb) Torkelson of Willmar and Galen (and Rhonda) Torkelson of Aitkin; and two sisters- in law, Virginia Torkelson of Willmar and Nora Torkelson of Sunburg.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marion in 2006; four brothers, Arlyn, Myron, Elwood and DeLloyd and two sisters-in-law, Marge and Barb.

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