Obituary for Ronald O. "Ron" Torgerson
Ron Torgerson, age 75 of Watertown, SD passed away Thursday, May 11, 2023.
Memorial service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Cornerstone Church in Watertown with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. Special music will be by Leigh Kuecker.
Military honors will be conducted at the church following the service.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Honorary urn bearers will be Vic Brownell, Dustin Brownell, Lonnie Struckman, Paul Robson and Brian Schlotterbeck.
Interment will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.
Ronald Owen Torgerson was born in Powers Lake, North Dakota on October 23, 1947 to Stewart and Glenice (Holly) Torgerson. He went to grade school in Powers Lake and high school in Tioga, North Dakota. Ron joined the US Army in 1965 with basic training in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. He spent a tour in Germany and while there he volunteered to go to Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He was so proud to serve his country. Before leaving for Vietnam, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Charlene Dunn on July 29, 1967. After his tour in Vietnam, the couple was stationed in New Jersey and then back to Germany where his only child Travis was born, his pride and joy. Having served 13 years in the military, Ron was honorably discharged at Fort Ord, California in 1978.
Ron worked as a nutritional salesman for livestock in Kansas for two years; a shop foreman at Getter Trucking for seven years in Williston, North Dakota. Then at the age of 40 he went back to college at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Upon graduation and receiving a degree in mechanical engineering, the family moved to Watertown in 1990. He was employed for Terex for 28 years before retiring. Ron was a born leader and his work ethic was second to none.
Ron and Char were married for 55 years enjoying many travels and good times together.
Ron was a quiet, unassuming and selfless man filled with unconditional love for his family. Words cannot express how proud he was of his son Travis. He looked up to him in so many ways. He treasured his daughter-in-law, Tasha and had only admiration and love for his grandchildren, Brody and Ally. Going to all their activities made him proud and happy plus teaching them how to fish for walleyes was an added bonus.
Ron especially enjoyed the families’ annual trek to Lunds Landing on Lake Sakakawea in Ray, North Dakota, where they spent time fishing, laughing and sharing stories with relatives.
Ron is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Char; his son, Travis and daughter-in-law, Tasha; and grandchildren, Brody and Ally all of Watertown, SD; his brother, Jim (Analene) Torgerson of Ray, ND; his sister, Barbara (Alan) Christianson of Minot, ND; brother-in-law, Brian Dibble of Billings, MT; his sisters-in-law, Darlene Hill of Worland, WY, Marian Dunn and Betty Dunn of WA; and several nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Stewart and Glenice; his older brother, Bruce; five brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.
Memorial service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Cornerstone Church in Watertown with Pastor Steve Anderson officiating. Special music will be by Leigh Kuecker.
Military honors will be conducted at the church following the service.
Visitation will be from 5-7pm, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at Wight & Comes Funeral Chapel in Watertown.
Honorary urn bearers will be Vic Brownell, Dustin Brownell, Lonnie Struckman, Paul Robson and Brian Schlotterbeck.
Interment will be at a later date at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Watertown.
Ronald Owen Torgerson was born in Powers Lake, North Dakota on October 23, 1947 to Stewart and Glenice (Holly) Torgerson. He went to grade school in Powers Lake and high school in Tioga, North Dakota. Ron joined the US Army in 1965 with basic training in Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. He spent a tour in Germany and while there he volunteered to go to Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He was so proud to serve his country. Before leaving for Vietnam, Ron married his high school sweetheart, Charlene Dunn on July 29, 1967. After his tour in Vietnam, the couple was stationed in New Jersey and then back to Germany where his only child Travis was born, his pride and joy. Having served 13 years in the military, Ron was honorably discharged at Fort Ord, California in 1978.
Ron worked as a nutritional salesman for livestock in Kansas for two years; a shop foreman at Getter Trucking for seven years in Williston, North Dakota. Then at the age of 40 he went back to college at North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, North Dakota. Upon graduation and receiving a degree in mechanical engineering, the family moved to Watertown in 1990. He was employed for Terex for 28 years before retiring. Ron was a born leader and his work ethic was second to none.
Ron and Char were married for 55 years enjoying many travels and good times together.
Ron was a quiet, unassuming and selfless man filled with unconditional love for his family. Words cannot express how proud he was of his son Travis. He looked up to him in so many ways. He treasured his daughter-in-law, Tasha and had only admiration and love for his grandchildren, Brody and Ally. Going to all their activities made him proud and happy plus teaching them how to fish for walleyes was an added bonus.
Ron especially enjoyed the families’ annual trek to Lunds Landing on Lake Sakakawea in Ray, North Dakota, where they spent time fishing, laughing and sharing stories with relatives.
Ron is survived by his best friend and beloved wife, Char; his son, Travis and daughter-in-law, Tasha; and grandchildren, Brody and Ally all of Watertown, SD; his brother, Jim (Analene) Torgerson of Ray, ND; his sister, Barbara (Alan) Christianson of Minot, ND; brother-in-law, Brian Dibble of Billings, MT; his sisters-in-law, Darlene Hill of Worland, WY, Marian Dunn and Betty Dunn of WA; and several nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Stewart and Glenice; his older brother, Bruce; five brothers-in-law; and two sisters-in-law.