Torkelson, Wayne (1949-2013)
TORKELSON, FELLER, HARMS, YOUNGERS, SOGARD, VOELKER, BRUNSVOLD, SUNDE, ALBERTSON, KESLER, HANNA
Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 6/23/2013 at 19:42:01
Wayne "Skunk" Torkelson
April 11, 1949 - May 23, 2013FOREST CITY - Surrounded by his loving family, Wayne "Skunk" Torkelson, 64, of Forest City, died from cancer on Thursday, May 23, 2013, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City.
Wayne "Skunk" Lowell Torkelson was born in Forest City on April 11, 1949, to Othelia and Clarence Torkelson. He spent his early years attending Fertile Elementary School and tagging along with his five older brothers. His love of old cars began while he was riding alongside those same brothers racing up and down the Fertile farm's mile long lane and other gravel roads around Fertile. While growing up on the farm near Fertile, he also formed a number of significant friendships that he maintained the rest of his life.
After high school, he started his on-the-job training for his future as the proud owner of Torkelson Plumbing and Heating. A decorated soldier in the army, Wayne "Skunk" served with the 101st Airborne in Viet Nam.
Wayne had many nicknames including, Skunk, the most well-known, Uncle Skunk, Grandpa Skunk, one of his favorites, and Dad. His children and grandchildren paid him the highest honor by saying, "Our dad would do anything for us!" They have many wonderful memories of times spent with him.
Especially proud of his certification as a master plumber and electrician, Wayne watched his business grow from infancy to his partnering with his son and another employee.
A true "Car Man," Wayne lovingly restored a 1966 yellow Chevelle that was "almost an exact replica" of the car he drove in high school. His latest project was restoring a 1930 Ford Model A Fordor. A man of few words, Skunk loved to talk about cars, and when he spoke, people listened.
Wayne married Cindy Feller with whom he had three children, Janelle (Travis Harms), Brett Torkelson, and Adam Torkelson.
Survivors include his children, Janelle (Travis) Harms, Brett Torkelson, and Adam Torkelson and their mother, Cindy; his grandchildren, Brittany and Andrew Youngers and Emma Lynn Harms; his sisters and brothers, Margie Sogard, Bernice Voelker, Ronald (Lucille) Torkelson, Leslie (Paulette) Torkelson, Roger (Shirley Norman) Torkelson, and Marsha (Mark) Brunsvold; his sister-in-law, Janice Torkelson; his aunts, Thelma Sunde, Julaine Albertson, Bonnie Torkelson, and Linda Kesler; and his uncles, Orrin Torkelson and Marvin Hanna; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Margie Helen; his brothers, Clarence, Jr., and Carroll; his nephew, Hollis; and his nieces, Debra, LaRae and Lisa.
A true hero, Wayne bravely faced his diagnose of Stage three cancer. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, May 29, 2013, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with Pastor Kevin Olson of Bethel Lutheran Church in Joyce officiating. Burial will be in Ellington Township Cemetery rural Forest City. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 28, 2013, at the Petersen Lund Funeral Home, 505 N. Clark Street, Forest City, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
In honor of Wayne's love of old cars, a special parking area will be designated near the front of the church the day of the funeral for those who want to attend and honor Wayne with their special cars or trucks.
Copyright © 2013, Petersen Lund Funeral Home
Petersen Lund Funeral Home
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