Kenneth Eugene Torkelson

Kenneth Eugene Torkelson, died peacefully at St. Therese at St. Odilia hospice care on December 28th, 2024 in Shoreview, MN at the age of 88. Ken was born on January 28, 1936 in Pine River, Minnesota. He graduated from Minneapolis Central High School, but was one credit shy of getting his diploma. He joined the Army where he got his GED. While in the Army, he went to helicopter mechanic school and deployed to Germany where he worked on helicopters, planes, and vehicles, and drove trucks that were part of his helicopter unit. He was also the top marksman for the entire Army in Germany. When he was discharged, he came back to Minneapolis (by way of motorcycle from New York City) and worked at Gift House Stamps driving trucks. Not long after, he took classes at Dunwoody for auto mechanics. He worked as a mechanic at some different shops, ending up at Richfield Wheel Alignment in the late 1970s, where he worked until 2017 at the age of 81. Ken also enjoyed many years at the racetrack. Starting out he owned a hobby stock car, but then became crew chief of a late model car number 75! Many summer weekends were spent at Elko Speedway, Raceway Park, sometimes outstate tracks, and always at the Minnesota State Fair. Ken was also passionate about photography, first with a Kodak Brownie, then a Agfa camera he bought while stationed in Germany. When digital cameras became available he really started taking some amazing scenic shots. He had a printer that could print large photos and enjoyed sharing them with everyone. He had a month-long exhibit at Centennial UMC which was enjoyed by everyone who saw it. It is hard to sum up a beloved father, grandfather, and brother in a few short paragraphs, but we would be remiss if we didn't include that he had a great sense of humor. And most important to him was his Christian faith, family, and friends. Survived by: Daughter: Lori (Keith) Ihnen Son: Michael Torkelson Grandchildren: Christina Ihnen, Kevin Ihnen, Isabelle Torkelson Brother: Richard (Irene) Torkelson Sister-in-Law: Kim Torkelson Special Friend: Janet Lorenz Cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends Preceded in Death: Father: Julius Bernard Torkelson Mother: Hazel Evelyn Torkelson Brother: James Torkelson Mother of his Children: Carol Torkelson Step Mother: Ethel Torkelson A luncheon following graveside service will be held at the Coon Rapids VFW, 1919 Coon Rapids Blvd NW starting at 1:30PM.

Tributes

Kenneth Eugene Torkelson

January 28, 1936 - December 28, 2024

Tributes

Kenneth Eugene Torkelson

January 28, 1936 - December 28, 2024

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