Thomas T. Torkelson

Tom Torkelson, age 78, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at the Appleton Medical Center. Tom was born in Humboldt, Iowa on April 25, 1928, son of the late Carl and Selma (Skorpen) Torkelson. During the Korean Conflict, Tom served in the United States Army, and on September 5, 1953 he married the former Dolores Milan in Milwaukee. As a young man, Tom began work for the former Commonwealth Bank in Milwaukee and later was employed by M&I Bank there. Later, he relocated to Appleton and became associated with Valley Bank’s Trust Department. Tom retired from Valley Trust after more than twenty years of service there. He was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Appleton Noon Lions Club, where he had been awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship. For over thirty years, Tom was also employed by the Green Bay Packers and was responsible for supervising the usher and gate staff. He was an avid Packer fan. He enjoyed bowling, golf, and woodworking; his love for these hobbies has inspired other family members to practice them as well. Most of all, Tom enjoyed time spent with his family, and will always be remembered as an expert lefse maker.

Tom is survived by his wife of fifty-three years: Dolores Torkelson of Appleton; four children: Tom (Marilynn) Torkelson on Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Mary Birch of Appleton; Bob (Louise) Torkelson of Appleton; and Marge (Bill) Thompson of Darboy; a daughter-in-law: Kathy Torkelson of Black Creek; seven grandchildren: LeeAnn (Ron) Torkelson-Kollitz, Nicole Thompson, Crystal Thompson, Jeanette Torkelson, Erin Torkelson, Thomas C. Torkelson, and Jaime Torkelson; a great-granddaughter: Anna Thompson, as well as many friends and some relatives in Iowa. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jerry, eight brothers and sisters, and a son-in-law Jared Birch.

The funeral liturgy for Tom will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, September 23, 2006 at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH. 1825 N. McDonald Street in Appleton with Fr. Gerald Falk officiating. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call directly at the church on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the medical staff at the Appleton Medical Center. We will never forget the kindness and concern you showed to all of us.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231