Allen Christian Torbensen 1931-2010

TORBENSEN LAWLER

Posted By: Connie J Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/7/2012 at 01:45:09

Onawa Democrat
24 March 2010

Allen Christian Torbensen was born 11-30-1931 at his home near Moorhead IA to Svend and Dagmar Torbensen, their 2nd son.

He was a member ofthe Bethesda Lutheran Church in Moorhead until he moved away. He continued being active in St Thomas Lutheran Church in Panora IA

He attended Jepsen School through 8th grade then began as hired man working at various farm jobs, until he entered the Navy for 4 years, based in Rhode Island, serving on 2 air craft carriers, the USS Leyte and the USS Independence, in the Mediterranean.

After his discharge, he farmed awhile at the Jepson farm feed lot west of Moorhead, later at Skelly Oil Station and in various capacities for the City of Moorhead. He was also on the Rescue Unit/Fire Unit. 7

He married Celeste Lawler while stationed Rhode Island. They later divorced. He had 3 adopted children, Karen (Torbensen) Borris, Michael and Brian Torbensen.

In 1980 he moved to Baxter IA where he received his first Water Treatment Certificate. He completed his GED degree during this time. He later moved to Panora IA where he continued at the Water Treatment Plant in Panora for several years. He retired in 1995 but continued enjoying his volunteer work at the local Head Start in Guthrie Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Daniel Torbensen, his sister Hilda Casey and a son Michael.