Thief River Falls – Martha “Marty” Torgerson, 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2024, at Oakland Park Communities, Thief River Falls.
Martha Ann Uggerud was born July 13, 1939, in Grafton, ND the daughter of John and Tilda (Swanson) Uggerud. She attended St. Hilaire Elementary School and graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1957.
On July 16, 1961, Martha was united in marriage to Jarvis Torgerson at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They made their home on the Torgerson Family Farm in Agder Township, Marshall County, rural Thief River Falls. To this union four children were born, Dean, Mike, Debbie and Lisa.
Martha worked at various places in Thief River Falls including as a bookkeeper at TRF Co-op Creamery, as a CNA at Valley Home and at Oakland Park Nursing Home.
She enjoyed bowling, sewing, playing piano, traveling, fishing, hockey games, and following her children and grandchildren in their activities. She spent many hours in her flower gardens, was an excellent cook and was the fastest driver on the Range Line Road.
She was a member of the Silver Creek Lutheran Church where she was active in WELCA and taught Sunday School and Confirmation. Martha was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include her loving husband of 63 years, Jarvis of Thief River Falls; children, Mike (Vicki) Torgerson of Thief River Falls, Debbie (Dan) Glucky of Otsego, and Lisa (Mike) Parent of Otsego; grandchildren, Jordan (Brandi) Torgerson, Mariah (Brian) Hruby, Kaleb Torgerson, Reed (Becca) Parent, Carl (Sami) Parent, Sara Parent, stepgrandchildren, Danielle (Jake) Spiten, Ashley (Drew) Seeger, Brady (Mickey) Meunier, Danielle (Nick) Dodge, Amanda Glucky and Nathan Glucky; great-grandchildren, Hattie, Soraya, and Laynie; step-great-grandchildren, Aurora, Orion, Silas, Leif, Harrison, Kenzie, Barry, Maizie, Aiden and Fisher; sister, Virginia Hokkanen; sister-in-law, Grace Jorde; brother-in-law, Phil Torgerson; and many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She is preceded in death by her son, Dean; grandchildren, Baby Boy Williams and Adam Parent; parents; brother, Orlando (Doris “Tootsie” Longtin/Uggerud); brothers-in-law, Roy Hokkanen and Donald Jorde; and sister-in-law, Sybil (Merlin) Heath.
She suffered from bi-polar disorder throughout her entire adult life.
Visitation began at 10 a.m. with the service to celebrate Martha’s life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Silver Creek Lutheran Church, rural Thief River Falls. Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiated. Burial followed at Silver Creek Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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