65135_Marlen “Mike” J._Torgerson
MASON CITY — Marlen J. “Mike” Torgerson, 92, of Mason City, Iowa, died Thursday, April 4, 2013, at the Good Shepherd Health Center due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.
Upon his wishes, his body was donated to the University of Iowa Anatomical Donation Department.
Memorial services for Mike will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to a charity of your choosing.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.
Mike was born January 16, 1921, in the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn., the son of Martin J. and Anna (Hage) Torgerson. His family moved to Scarville, Iowa, where they owned and operated a grocery store. He graduated from Scarville High School in 1938, then attended St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., then Hamilton Business College.
Mike joined the U.S. Navy and served his country during World War II from 1942 to 1945 as a radioman on a PBY — Black Cats UPB — 34 in the South Pacific.
Following his discharge, he returned to Mason City working for Carroll Sales and the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors. He was united in marriage to Mary Louise “Mickey” Tyler on October 15, 1950, at the First Presbyterian Church, Mason City, by the Rev. Wilbur Dierking.
In 1951, Mike was transferred to Chicago, Ill., with the Chevrolet Motor Division and was instrumental in the introduction of the first Corvette.
In 1955, the family returned to Mason City where Mike began working for Tyler-Ryan Furniture Store. He retired in 1984 as president.
Mike served on many boards through the years. He was a long time member of Trinity Lutheran Church and served as a board member and Sunday school teacher. He was one of the original members of the Newman Foundation Board, and board member of Hawkeye Bank and Trust. He was also a member of the Art Gerk planting group. Mike was a proud “full-blooded Norwegian” with a wonderful sense of humor. When asked how he was, he would answer, “getting younger every day” or “do you need any advice today.”
The family thanks the staff at Good Shepherd Health Center for the loving care they gave Mike during the past year.
Mike is survived by his wife, Mary Lou “Mickey” of Mason City; daughter, Kristine A. (Price) Dahlstrom of Mason City; grandson, Ryan (Sherri) Sprau of Louisville, Ky.; granddaughter, Kathryn “Katy” (Darin) Grimes of Swisher; great grandchildren, Payton, Anna, and Parker Sprau, and Levi Grimes, and many nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, infant son, sisters, Adelaide Thompson and Kerma Melton; and brother, Jerome Torgerson.
Arrangements: Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Mason City, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com.