Kermit LeRoy Torgerson was born June 11, 1925 in Cooperstown, North Dakota, the son of Perry and Hilda (Vangen) Torgerson. He was baptized on July 28, 1925, also in Cooperstown. Kermit attended school in Binford, North Dakota, where he graduated in 1943. On October 29, 1945, Kermit was united in marriage to Annie Laurie McEachern. This union was blessed with almost 70 years together and two children: Leslie and Rebecca. From an early age it was clear that Kermit needed to stay busy. After his grandfather died he farmed with his grandmother for a time. He then worked road construction, drove for Standard Oil Company and worked a variety of roles at Sweetheart Bakery, including driver, salesman, and supervisor. Kermit and Annie purchased and operated a grocery store in Elgin, North Dakota, where they lived for six years. They moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, where Kermit worked for National Chemsearch. He owned and operated, Southwest Supply, prior to his retirement in 1986. Kermit was a hardworking man who often would take extra jobs cutting hair, driving ambulance, working in the service station, driving taxi, rising horseback at the sales barn, and even attained a real estate license so he could sell homes. After a well-deserved retirement, the couple moved to Appleton, Minnesota to be near family. Kermit loved to be outdoors, especially when gardening and working in the yard. He found the most enjoyment in planting trees and keeping lawns looking plush and green. Great looking lawns remained important to him, even as his eyesight began to fail in his later years. He loved music, playing the accordion, piano, and harmonica and also enjoyed dancing. Kermit was a lifelong member of the Eagles Aerie #2237 and also belonged to the Elks Club and Moose Club. He was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. Above all, Kermit was a family man, who especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters. Kermit died May 3, 2015 at Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He attained 89 years, 10 months, and 22 days of age. He is survived by his wife, Annie of Appleton; children: Leslie (Marcia) Torgerson of St. Paul and Rebecca Brown of Appleton; 6 granddaughters: Susan (Clark) Christianson of Glencoe, Stephanie (Stacy) Krusemark of Madison, SD, Bridget (Nick) Leonard of Fergus Falls, Kelsey Brown of St. Paul, Megan (Ryan) Zigler of Coon Rapids, Katie Brown (Luke Nelson) of St. Paul; 7 great-grandchildren: Kaden and Kylie Krusemark, Jacob and Brooklyn Christianson, Louis and Maggie Leonard, Zac Zigler; sister-in-law, Beverly Torgerson of Albert Lea; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Perry and Hilda Torgerson; sisters: Lorraine Torgerson and Dorothy Stern; brothers: Darrel and Donald Torgerson; son-in-law, Chuck Brown. Blessed be the memory of Kermit LeRoy Torgerson.
