Johnny Lee Torgrimson – Dalton, MN

Johnny Lee Torgrimson, 73, of rural Dalton, passed away Monday, June 22, 2020 at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls.
Johnny was born August 24, 1946 to Wilbur and Irene (Kirkeby) Torgrimson. He was baptized and confirmed by Rev. Ringstad at Grue Lutheran Church. He attended country school District 114 and after his parents moved into Ashby, he attended Ashby High School, graduating from there in 1964.  He attended one year of college, but as he put it— “just to play baseball.”
Johnny joined the Marines and served in Vietnam. He was proud to serve his country and as they say, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine”. After his time in the service, he lived in California before moving back to rural Dalton.
Johnny was married to Eve Starin until her passing. He met Phyllis (Win-slow) in 1991 and they were married in November of 1992. They can never re-member the date because they eloped and were married in South Dakota the day after Thanksgiving. They spent 28 wonderful years together.
He worked various jobs over the years and spent time working with his brother-in-law, Clarion Ellwanger in his shop. Johnny spent years working with his brother, Steve doing trenching and excavating as well.  He eventually went out on his own, operating Torgy’s Trenching and Excavating, later convincing his lovely wife to work alongside him. He would be on the machinery and she would be in the ditches, shoveling or holding the transit for him.
Johnny was a private man and although he knew everybody, he had a pretty tight circle of friends. He loved visiting with family and friends over coffee, telling a good joke and making you laugh. He was a tough guy, but when the grandchildren came along, he seemed to melt like chocolate. We will miss his wisdom and wit, his laughter and his sneezes, his guidance and his nightly phone calls.
He leaves behind his loving wife, Phyllis, who resides at PioneerCare in Fergus Falls; four daughters, Kim (Bruce) Kallhoff of Moorhead, MN; Christine (Jim) Pralle of Battle Lake, MN; Dottie Norton of Okanogan, Washington and ShyAnne (Jody) of Crutchfield, Georgia. The proudest gifts were his three grandchildren, Paul Norton of Okanogan, WA; Cydney and Jameson Pralle of Battle Lake. He is also survived by three siblings, Bob (Betty) Torgrimson of Alamo, Texas; Kathy Ellwanger of rural Dalton and Steve (Pauline) Torgrimson of Sartell, MN; and much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Eve Starin; and brother-in-law, Clarion Ellwanger.
Semper Fidelis!
Visitation was 5-7 p.m. Friday, June 26 at Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Ashby and one hour prior to services at the church.
Funeral Services were 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Zion-Sarpsborg Free Lutheran Church in Dalton with Reverend Todd Hylden
officiating.  For those unable to attend, a live stream of Johnny’s service will be available on his memorial page at www.GlendeNils on.com.
Military Honors were by Ashby American Legion Post #357. Interment was at Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in rural Battle Lake.
Memorials preferred to Bethel Lutheran Church, 34258 140th Street, Battle Lake, MN 56515.
Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashby was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNilson.com.