KAREN TORKELSON

KAREN TORKELSON

     Karen Jean Torkelson, age 81, passed away at the Grandview Care Center in Blair, WI, Dec. 19, 2022. 

     Karen was born July 17, 1941, to Algin and Frances (Schoengarth) Rierson. She attended Papoose Creek grade school and graduated from Black River Falls High School. Following graduation from high school, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Russell Torkelson, Jan. 23, 1960, established a home in the Black River Falls area and began raising their family.

     She enjoyed traveling with Wayne to school board conventions when he was on the board, flying off to breakfast with him in his airplane and spending time with family and friends.

     In addition to being an active mother and farm wife, Karen earned her certification as a licensed cosmetologist, worked at Falls Florist, Millis Transfer, Country Terrace and Black River Country Abstract. Karen was very active in the community and her church, Little Norway Lutheran Church. She sang in the church choir, served as the church secretary, was in the altar guild and in the ladies aid. Her contributions in the community included being a member of the Jackson County Fair Board (Ag Society) for 29 years, Jackson County Homemakers (HCE) Club, the local women’s card club and a 4-H leader for the Cloverettes 4-H Club. In 2011, she was honored with the Jackson County Women in History award, given by Jackson County Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers.

     Surviving are her children, Todd (Dee Dee) Torkelson, Tim (Sherri) Torkelson, Troy (Marianne) Torkelson and Wendy (Dan) Everson; grandchildren Danielle (Derrick) Groshek, Shea Torkelson, Brittany (Zach) Savignac, Tyler Torkelson, Elizabeth (Tyler) Kiel, Thomas (Kate) Torkelson, Frannie Everson and Sam Everson; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Braden, Livia, Grady and Elyse; brothers-in- law Ronald (Gin) Torkelson, and Gerald Torkelson; and sister-in-law, Beverly (Gary) Stetzer.

     Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents Algin and Frances Rierson, and in-laws Alvin and Evelyn Torkelson.

     The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Black River Memorial Hospital, Hospice and Grand View Care Center for their thoughtful and considerate care for Karen and the support and guidance given to the family.

     There will be a visitation Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Little Norway Church. Funeral services for Karen will take place Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at the Little Norway Church at 11 a.m. Vicar Augie Hohl will officiate. Friends and family are also invited to visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. 

     Memorials may be given to Little Norway Church and Black River Homecare-Hospice.

     The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231.