Thomas E. "Torchy" Torseth
August 10, 2017
Thomas E. Torseth, 91, of Baraboo,
formally of Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017, at
SSM Health-St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo.
Tom was born on Aug. 5, 1926, to John and Alvilda
(Rognerud) Torseth in International Falls, Minnesota. After meeting the love of
his life on a blind date, Tom shared 67 years of wedded bliss with his bride,
Beverly. Affectionately known as “Torchy” by friends and family alike, Tom was
an innovator and an artist. After serving briefly with the US Navy, he returned
home to attend the Minneapolis School of Art and Design. He then continued to
work in the family business with Jack, his dad, until Berg-Torseth, Inc. was
sold. As a businessman, Tom was involved with the Lake Elmo Lions Club, St.
Paul 49er’s, and St. Paul Rotary Club. After 43 years of running the family
business, he retired in Lakeland Shores, Minnesota and Rio Verde, Arizona
before moving to Baraboo in late 2015.
With a flair for storytelling and a knack for playful
elaboration, Tom always had a tale to tell. Among his most entertaining accounts
were memories of perfect spring days working at the farmhouse in Lake Elmo, summer
nights spent being with family at the North Shore, autumn mornings hunting in Montana,
and escaping the winter blues by golfing in Arizona. Across all of his stories
were themes of friendship, family, and a deep, understated admiration for those
around him.
Torchy was an avid reader, though his meticulously
organized collection of volumes consisted solely of grilling cookbooks, appliance
manuals, and hardware catalogues. He spent hours in his workshop “making
sawdust.” His workshop was crammed with a striking mix of power tools and
paintbrushes. The process of bringing ideas to life was perhaps what meant most
to Torchy, whether that was in art, business, or family.
In many ways, Tom refused to give in to the idea of growing
old. He had a ceaseless desire to learn; he faced the transition from floppy
disk to the cloud with stubborn enthusiasm and was determined to stay ahead of the
“old man curve.” He loved as fiercely as he studied, and played as hard as he
worked. Torchy had a big personality, a big heart, and led a big and beautiful
life.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Beverly; children, Kim
(Bill Conroy) Torseth of St. Paul and Amy (Tim) Teelin of Baraboo; as well as
his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, including Thomas N. Torseth Jr.
and his daughter Tianna, Stephanie (Timo Gee) Torseth and their children Alex,
Aren, and Amari, Andi (Tony) and Jason Krunnfusz, Joe and Erin Conroy; and
extended family, Antoinette (Donald) Brady and their daughter Isabella, and
Jordan Jensen. He is also survived by his siblings, John (Julie) Torseth, Delores
Hodgson, Arthur (Joanne) Torseth, and James (Cara) Torseth. Thomas was preceded
in death by his parents, John and Alvilda; his son, Thomas N. Torseth Sr.; and
mother-and father-in-law, Leslie and Margaret Larson.
A
Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2017 at the
First Presbyterian Church, 416 Ash St., in Baraboo, with Pastor Lisa Newberry
officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until
time of service. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Torchy’s honor to Habitat
for Humanity: www.habitat.org/donate. The Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home, 520 East
St., Baraboo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
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