April 21, 1932 - September 10, 2015
Kenneth D. Torkelson Obituary A Celebration of Life Kenneth Dale Torkelson was born on April 21, 1932 in Spokane, WA to Torkel and Adeline Torkelson. Ken grew up in Bonners Ferry, ID and graduated from high school in 1951. He started working with his Dad at the Great Northern Railroad in Bonners at the age of 16. He also joined his dad as a Mason while living in Bonners. Shortly after high school Ken enlisted in the Navy and spent two years in the Seabee's using heavy equipment to build an aircraft runway near Subic Bay, Philippines. Upon return he did a year at the University of Idaho. After U of I he once again started working for the Great Northern Railroad in Spokane, WA where he established himself as a diesel electrician. Ken moved his skills to the Union Pacific Railroad in 1963 where he worked until retirement in 1979. On January 24, 1964 Ken married Evelyn Bartee. Ken and Ev enjoyed being part of the Spokane Lilac Festival starting in 1972 and in 1985 Ken became President of the Festival. In recent years Ken found a new interest in Christ and his salvation. He loved reading books and participating in Bible studies and was a member of Manito United Methodist Church. The family takes great solace knowing Ken's final resting place. If you haven't heard Ken had a cabin in mountains that was his retreat. Most of us think of it as a shrine or museum. No detail left undone but as most of us know, to him the cabin would never be done. Ken commends the staff at Deaconess Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab center for helping him look and feel younger than his age. The most important part of Ken's life was making memories with family, extended family and friends. Ken was preceded in death by his mother and father and his two brothers, Harold and Sonny. He is survived by his wife Evelyn and son's Terry Torkelson (Karen), Scott Torkelson (Wende), Todd Torkelson (Jill) and granddaughters Alexi Torkelson (Daniel), Syrel Torkelson (Tyler) and Alaysha Dyson along with numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Life Saturday, September 19th, 2PM at the Manito United Methodist Church, 3220 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA, with a reception to follow and a 5PM burial at Fairmount Memorial Park. A viewing will be available Friday, September 18th from 10am-5pm at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 North Government Way, Spokane, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Kenneth, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events SEP 10
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