Daniel Torgersen 01/18/2025

Daniel Leigh Torgersen was born on August 23, 1948, in St. Paul, MN, and was adopted by Berger and Genevieve Torgersen. Raised in White Bear Lake, MN, he graduated from White Bear High School in 1966. He had a passion for choir and was an accomplished swimmer, holding several state records in backstroke, as well as enjoying middle-distance running. Dan attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, where he majored in chemistry and became a talented singer, spending three years in the St. Olaf choir, marking the beginning of his lifelong love for music. He graduated in 1970 and shortly after joined the Minnesota National Guard, where he served for 13 years. In 1972, he married Mary Vono, also from White Bear Lake. Together, they had two sons, Kurt and Neil. In 1986, they built their lake home on Crooked Lake in Clearwater, where they raised their family and enjoyed life by the water until 2022. Countless joyful moments were spent with family and friends boating, fishing, water skiing, and hunting. Throughout these years, Dan was active in various church and community choirs, including Atonement and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches, the New Day Singers, and the Great River Chorale.

Dan dedicated his professional life to the optical industry, primarily working at Walman Optical. Beyond his role there, he participated in several national and international standards committees, focused on establishing and enhancing safety and consistency within the optical industry. Ever the go-getter, he even started his own consulting business in his “free” time, offering expert testimony on legal matters. Mary often joined him on trips to beautiful places such as Jackson Hole, Kentucky, California, and even international destinations, where they created lasting memories and friendships.

Dan retired from Walman on January 6, 2012. In retirement, he and Mary delved into their favorite hobbies, including traveling, enjoying their lake home, exploring the woods and fields at their hunting lodge, and most importantly, cherishing time with their children and grandchildren. Every fall, Dan spent weeks at their property in Alexandria, where the boys would join him for deer hunting. He and Mary also made it a tradition to spend 1-2 weeks in Cozumel, Mexico each winter, soaking up the sun, enjoying great food, and SCUBA diving in the Caribbean.

In 2022, after 36 wonderful years on the lake, they moved to River Falls, WI, to be closer to Kurt and his family. They found a lovely country lot between River Falls and Hudson and built a home that allowed them to enjoy nature without the hassle of yardwork. Though his health started to decline, Dan continued to engage in things he loved, particularly attending his granddaughters’ hockey games and choir concerts, dining at his favorite local spots, spending time with Magnus, watching his beloved movies, and being around his family.

After a three-year fight against cancer, Dan passed away peacefully in his bed on January 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Berger and Genevieve. He leaves behind his cherished wife of 52 years, Mary, sons Kurt (Carrie) and Neil (JoEllyn), and grandchildren Francesca (15), Emmeline (15), Caleb (14), and Analeigh (12). He will be deeply missed, but his laughter and music will forever resonate in our lives.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 3:30 pm at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd Street) in River Falls.  A visitation was also Saturday from 2:30-3:30 pm at the church. Desserts and coffee followed the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Hudson, WI or a charity of your choosing.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

Click here to watch the recording of Dan’s memorial service