Ted Torgeson, 77, lifelong LaCrosse resident, passed away Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at his home in LaCrosse surrounded by his family. Memorial Services will be held Saturday, April 9th at 11:00 a.m. at the LaCrosse Methodist Church. Theodore Charles Torgeson, Jr. was born at home in LaCrosse on September 5, 1938 to Theodore, Sr. and Delphia (Wriggle) Torgeson. He grew up in LaCrosse and played basketball and football in high school. Ted graduated from the LaCrosse High School in 1956 and enlisted in the U.S. Army soon after. He served between the Korean Conflict and Vietnam as a paratrooper and as a radioman. He was honorably discharged and returned home to LaCrosse. He married Linda Pittman August 21, 1960 in LaCrosse. Ted worked for area farmers around the Hay area for a time. He later went to work for the LaCrosse Grain Growers, mainly out of the Dusty warehouse. He enjoyed "babysitting" all of the Dusty kids during his time there. After retiring from the grain growers, Ted and Linda purchased the gas station in LaCrosse. They operated T & L Tire and Service for the next 15 years or so before selling the business. Ted was never one to sit still and he found several odd jobs or handyman projects all over town. He was a member of the LaCrosse Lions Club and for several years in a row he was "Top Turkey" in the raffle sale. He and Linda loved to visit the casinos with friends or go camping. The family also liked to boat down on the Snake River. Ted liked to hunt and fish and loved riding motorcycles. Ted was a member of the "Geritol Amigos" motorcycle club. He was an avid bowler and proudly displayed his trophy for rolling a "299". He loved helping people all over town and in later years spent lots of time driving people in the COAST bus. He played pool on a regular basis and enjoyed visiting with his many friends. Ted will be missed by his three children and their spouses; Tracie and Brian Sisk of Clarkston, Troy and DeeDee Torgeson of Colfax and Blake and Jennifer Torgeson of Moses Lake, WA; 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; his two sisters, Helen Mays and Doris Gray and three half-brothers. Ted was preceded in death by his wife Linda December 12, 2007, an infant daughter Robin Lynn, and by his parents. The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the LaCrosse EMT's. On-line guest book is at www.bruningfuneralhome.com
Bruning Funeral Home of Colfax is caring for the family.