Karen Jean Torkelson

Karen Jean Torkelson, age 81, passed away at the Grandview Care Center in Blair, WI on December 19,
2022.
Karen was born on July 17, 1941 to Algin and Frances (Schoengarth) Rierson. She attended Papoose
Creek grade school and graduated from Black River Falls High School. Following graduation from high
school, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Russell Torkelson, on January 23, 1960,
established a home in the Black River Falls area and began raising their family.

She enjoyed traveling with Wayne to School Board conventions when he was on the Board, flying off to
breakfast with him in his airplane, and spending time with family and friends.

In addition to being an active mother and farm wife, Karen earned her certification as a licensed
cosmetologist, worked at Falls Florist, Millis Transfer, Country Terrace and Black River Country Abstract.
Karen was very active in the community and her church, Little Norway Lutheran Church. She sang in the
church choir, served as the church secretary, was in the Altar Guild and in the Ladies Aid. Her
contributions in the community included being a member of the Jackson County Fair Board (Ag Society)
for 29 years, Jackson County Homemakers (HCE) Club, the local women’s Card Club, and a 4-H leader for
the Cloverettes 4H Club. In 2011, she was honored with the Jackson County Women in History award,
given by Interfaith Volunteers.

Surviving are her children, Todd (Dee Dee) Torkelson, Tim (Sherri) Torkelson, Troy (Marianne) Torkelson,
and Wendy (Dan) Everson; grandchildren, Danielle (Derrick) Groshek, Shea Torkelson, Brittany (Zach)
Savignac, Tyler Torkelson, Elizabeth (Tyler) Kiel, Thomas (Kate) Torkelson, Frannie Everson, and Sam
Everson; great grandchildren, Hudson, Braden, Livia, Grady and Elyse; brothers – in- law, Ronald (Gin)
Torkelson, and Gerald Torkelson; and sister- in- law, Beverly (Gary) Stetzer.
Karen is preceded in death by her husband, Wayne; parents Algin and Frances Rierson, and in-laws Alvin
and Evelyn Torkelson.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Black River Memorial Hospital, Hospice, and
Grand View Care Center for their thoughtful and considerate care for Karen, and the support and
guidance given to the family.

There will be a visitation Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Little
Norway Church. Funeral services for Karen will take place Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at the Little
Norway Church at 11:00 a.m. Vicar Augie Hohl will officiate. Friends and family are also invited to
visitation from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Memorials may be given to Little Norway Church and Black River Homecare-Hospice.
The Buswell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 715-284-2231.