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Ivan Torkelson
IVAN TORKELSON
Elgin
Ivan Earl Torkelson, 84, of Elgin, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014.
Ivan was born Dec. 25, 1929, to Clarence and Adelia (Benson) Torkelson, in Elgin. Ivan enlisted in the United States Army and served from 1952 to 1954. He had been very active in the American Legion at local, state and national levels. Ivan was state legion commander in 1997 and served on many national committees throughout his life.
Ivan was united in marriage to Eleanor Schutte on Oct. 24, 1954. Ivan and his brother, Otis, bought Torkelson Motors in 1949 from their father and three uncles. The business has been in existence since 1926. He was a charter member of Elgin Lutheran Church. Ivan was a strong spokesperson for the town of Elgin, promoting and supporting it whenever he could.
Ivan is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Elgin; two children, Bruce (Sue) Torkelson of Waukon and Dirk (Cindy) Torkelson of Elgin; son-in-law, Bob Wilson of Decorah; five grandchildren, Erin (Jesse) Bunge, Kyle Torkelson, Jerrod (Royale) Torkelson, Brandon Torkelson and Cody Torkelson; sisters-in-law, Carol Torkelson of Lisle, Ill., and Lillian Schutte of Postville; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Schutte of Castalia.
Ivan was very much anticipating the birth of his great-grandson in October.
Ivan was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynette Wilson, in July 2006; his parents; his brothers, Otis (Gayle) Torkelson and Dean Torkelson; sister-in-law, Clarine Schutte; and brother-in-law, Eugene Schutte.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ivan's honor may be sent to Elgin Lutheran Church or the American Legion Foundation.
Visitation will be from
4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, and one hour before services Wednesday at the church. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Elgin Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Jerome Godson as the officiant. Burial will follow at Elgin Cemetery, military honors.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, is helping the family with the arrangements.
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