Tena C. Torgerson

Tena C. (Vensland) Torgerson was born February 14, 1920, in Oak Park Township, MN, to Sven and Thilda (Gulbranson) Vensland. She grew up on a farm in Big Woods, MN, with her brothers, Sam and Melford. Growing up, she loved cats, baseball, strawberry ice cream, and shoes. She was confirmed at Big Woods in Norwegian. Her education was in a one room schoolhouse in Oak Park Township.

Tena married Knute Torgerson on October 17, 1938, and he had a daughter, Lorraine. Together they lived 45 years in Alvarado, MN, and had ten children. Tena taught her children the rewards of hard work and prayer. She worked hard all her life. Tena was known for her wonderful buns and cinnamon rolls. Everyone wanted to stop to enjoy her treats. Tena was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and active in Ladies Aide. Knute passed away on March 8, 1983. In 1987, Tena moved to Fertile, MN, and became a member at Concordia Lutheran Church.

In 2003, Tena moved into Houge Estates, an assisted living center in Dilworth, MN. She was active in her communities and met several wonderful friends over the years. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, and quilting. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren - her greatest joy in life.

Tena moved to Eventide on Eighth in Moorhead, MN, in 2013, where she met her dear friend, Julian Thompson. Tena passed away peacefully on September 12, 2017, surrounded by her family. Tena's family wants to thank the staff at Eventide for taking such loving care of their mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Knute; parents, Sven and Thilda Vensland; brothers, Sam and Melford; children, baby boy (1940), Deanna Kathleen (1941), baby boy (1948), and Sheila Ann (Cal) Willis; and grandson, Kevin McCollum.

Tena is survived by her children, Lorraine (Glen) LaFave, Vancouver, WA, Laurence (Diane), St. Paul, MN, Evangeline (Dean) Guenther, Palm Desert, CA, Lowell, St. Paul, Twylla (Denny) Conner, Moorhead, Lila (Bob) Bartlett, Grand Forks, ND, and Darlene (Dean) Chandler, Fertile, MN; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation from 1 - 2 PM, followed by a memorial service at 2 PM, Saturday, September 16, 2017, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead. Burial will be Sunday, September 17, 2017, at 3 PM, in Big Woods Cemetery, near Oslo, MN.