DONALD TORGERSON

Donald Edwin Torgerson Jr., age 77, of Day, MN, formerly of St. Francis, passed away on Sunday June 4, 2023 at Welia Health in Mora, MN, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Donald was born to Donald M. Sr. and Gertrude (Strohmayer) Torgerson on November 24, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN.  He was given the nickname of “Punk” by his Godfather, great uncle Palmer Torgerson.

In 1975 his Grandma Torgerson introduced him to the love of his life, Illa Meyer, and they were married on June 19, 1976.  Together they were blessed with two children: son Shawn and daughter Sara. 

Punk spent his career driving, first a milk truck for the Princeton Creamery, then a handicap van in Minneapolis, and finally retiring from a 25 year career driving the Headstart bus for Anoka County.  Upon retiring, Punk and Illa moved to Day, where he continued his love of gardening and caring for animals on his hobby farm.  Punk loved to fish, play cards, and spend time with family.  He always kept a pocket full of quarters to buy his daughter Sara gumballs.  Punk loved to go shopping for cars and John Deere’s and when asked to go with, he never turned anyone down.  He loved haggling with the car salesmen and usually got a better deal.  He had a sense of humor like no other – you never knew what he was going to say.

Punk is preceded in death by his parents; brother John; nephew Baby Jason; brothers-in-law, Kenny Meyer and Gail Meyer; sister-in-law Verna Meyer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Illa; son Shawn; daughter Sara (Darneel Sr.) Williams; grandchildren Axel (Kayla) Torgerson, Kylee Struckman (Cole Pearson), Darneel Jr. (Marissa) Williams, and Deshawn Williams; sisters, Lena Torgerson and Lois (Bob) Hazuka; brothers, Melvin (Bonnie) Torgerson and Russell (Pam) Torgerson; sister-in-law Judy Torgerson; many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends. 

A Celebration of Punk’s life will be held at 12:00 noon on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at the Rock Creek City Center (7080 Hwy 70 – Pine City, MN 55063) with a luncheon to follow.

A time of gathering and visitation will be held 1 hour prior. 

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