Col. (Ret.) Leslie Al Torgerson – Battle Lake, MN

Colonel (Ret.) Leslie Al Torgerson, MD passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at his home with his beloved wife, Joan by his side. Les was never boastful in life so his family now takes this moment to honor the remarkable man they were blessed to call husband, father and grandfather. Born May 24, 1940 in Wadena, MN to Alfred and Dora (Lehner) Torgerson, Les grew up in Henning and graduated from Henning High School in 1958. He was later inducted into the Henning Hall of Fame. In 1962, he earned his degree from Concordia College (Moorhead) on a sports scholarship and was inducted into the Cobber Hall of Fame as a two-time All-Conference Guard for the Concordia basketball team. In 1964 he married his lifelong love, Joan Thompson (Henning). Two years later he graduated from Washington University Medical School (St Louis, MO) through an Army scholarship, launching a 25-year career of dedicated military medical service. Throughout their marriage, Les and Joan built a loving home filled with books, humor, friendship and adventure as they moved through military assignments at Letterman General Hospital (San Francisco), Fitzsimmons Hospital (Denver), Fort Leonard Wood (Missouri), Fort Belvoir (Virginia), Fort Sam Houston (Texas) and Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Wash-ington, D.C.). After retiring from active service, Les continued his devotion to medicine in private practice as a pathologist. He served as Chief of the Medical Staff at Mercy Hospital in Mason City, IA (8 years) followed by Altru Health System in Grand Forks (12 years). A respected diagnostician, mentor and colleague, he also taught medical students and residents at the University of North Dakota, and served as Medical Director of the Grand Forks Blood Bank. Likely the only thing Les ever “flunked” was his first retirement in 2010. He returned to care for veterans at the Fargo VA Healthcare System until his second successful retirement in 2015. Les and Joan treasured travels to Colorado Springs, Norway and annual trips to California for the Indian Wells Tennis Tournaments. They were faithful Minnesota Twins fans, enthusiastic supporters of all sports and happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Les will be remembered for his kindness, humility and sharp wit. A voracious reader and gifted storyteller, he delighted in sharing memories—like seeing the final Minneapolis Lakers game in the Twin Cities and watching Catfish Hunter pitch a no-hitter. He favored khakis and bucket hats, loved Glen Miller and warm Diet Shasta, and could always be counted on to slip a treat to any dog under the table. He was endlessly proud of his grandsons, whom he considered “fine young men” and felt deeply blessed to have shared so much of their lives. He leaves them and all who knew him, a legacy of hard work, generosity, optimism and quiet strength. Thank you, Les. You led by example-we love and adore you. You are a gem, and you will remain in our hearts forever. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan; sons, Erik (Rima) Torgerson and Sigurd (Bekki) Torgerson; daughter, Sonja (Jay) Paulson; and grandsons, Anders and Hans Torgerson, Aidan and Torben Torgerson, Thorfin and Iver Paulson; along with treasured extended family and dear friends. Per his request, a private family service is planned. In lieu of memorials the family requests you to consider a donation to the Henning Food Shelf, 604 2nd Street, Henning, MN 56551. Glende-Nilson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Battle Lake was in charge of arrangements. Condolences can be made online at www.GlendeNils on.com.