Obituary for Delores J. Torgerson

Delores J. Torgerson, 91, of West Salem, Wis., passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at her son's home in Holmen, Wis. She was born January 29, 1931, in Richland Center, Wis., to Arthur and Verona (Bell) Talledge. Delores was baptized and confirmed at the Evangelical United Brethren in Richland Center, Wis. She graduated from Richland Center High School in 1949, and received her teacher certificate in 1950. On June 26, 1952, she married La Verne E. Torgerson at Peace United Methodist Church (formerly EUB) in Richland Center, Wis.

Delores learned to play piano at a very young age; she taught piano lessons for over 50 years in Richland Center and West Salem, played piano on a children's radio show, taught in a one-room schoolhouse, worked at a rootbeer stand where she met her husband, served as organist and choral member at multiple churches for over 60 years, played for hundreds of weddings, solo/ensemble music contests, and worked in the West Salem school district as a playground aid and in the library.

Delores was a city girl turned farm wife who loved to cook, garden, sew, and knit. She enjoyed camping with church friends and family, enjoyed cruises, and traveling in general. She also loved to work on puzzles, play all sorts of card games, especially chase the ace with her grandkids, and dominos. She enjoyed wintering in Florida for over 20 years, and most of all treasured spending time with her family and friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Vicki Arndt and her spouse, David, of Scurry, Texas; her son, Kevin Torgerson and his spouse, Anita, of Holmen, Wis; four grandchildren, Michael, Kevin, Nicholas, and Kirstin; and three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Avery, and Finley. She was preceded in death by her husband, La Verne E. Torgerson and her parents, Arthur and Verona Talledge.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2022, at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem, 625 West Franklin Street. Pastor Dan McCurdy will officiate. A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the church. A graveside service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at the Richland Center Cemetery, Richland Center, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the music program at the Presbyterian Church of West Salem. Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Jostad Chapel, West Salem, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.jandtfredrickson.com.