Ivan Torkelson

Ivan Earl Torkelson, 84, of Elgin, Iowa died Saturday, September 13, 2014.

Ivan was born on December 25, 1929 to Clarence and Adelia (Benson) Torkelson in Elgin.

Ivan graduated from Elgin High School in 1947, and also attended Luther College.

Ivan enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 serving during the Korean War. He spent one year in Germany, and was honorably discharged in 1954. 

He has been very active in the American Legion at local, state, and national levels. Ivan was State Legion commander in 1997, and served on many national committees throughout his life.

Ivan was united in marriage to Eleanor Schutte on October 24, 1954 at St. John Lutheran Church in Postville. Three children were born to this union.

Ivan bought Torkelson Motors with his brother Otis in 1949 from their father and three uncles; the business has been in existence since 1926.  Ivan served as a member of Chrysler Dealer Council and Chrysler Advertising Association for many years.

Ivan was baptized and confirmed at Highland Lutheran Church. He was a Charter Member of Elgin Lutheran Church, and continued to be a very active member.

Ivan was a strong spokesperson for the town of Elgin promoting and supporting it whenever he could.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Eleanor of Elgin; two children; Bruce (Sue) Torkelson of Waukon and Dirk (Cindy) Torkelson of Elgin; son-in-law, Bob Wilson of Decorah; five grandchildren, Erin (Jesse) Bunge, Kyle Torkelson, Jerrod (Royale) Torkelson, Brandon Torkelson and Cody Torkelson; sisters-in-law, Carol Torkelson of Lisle, Illinois and Lillian Schutte of Postville and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Schutte of Castalia. Ivan was very much anticipating the birth of his great-grandson in October.

Ivan was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynette Wilson in July of 2006; his parents; his brothers, Otis (Gayle) Torkelson and Dean Torkelson; sister-in-law, Clarine Schutte and brother-in-law, Eugene Schutte.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ivan’s honor may be sent to Elgin Lutheran Church or the American Legion Foundation.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 4-8 pm at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa and one hour before services at the church on Wednesday.

Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. Jerome Godson as the Officiant.

Burial will follow at Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa with Military Honors.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.              38u38