Harriet Torkelson

Harriet Torkelson, 103, of Merrill, passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Bell Tower Residence, Merrill.

Harriet was born December 20, 1920, in the Town of New Hope, Portage County, daughter of the late Johan ‘Eddie’ and Mabel (Ellingson) Hotvedt. She married Carl E. Torkelson on May 11, 1946. He preceded her in death on January 8, 1998.

Although Harriet didn’t speak English until school, she graduated from high school and eventually received her teaching degree. By the time she was nineteen years old, Harriet was teaching grades 1-8 in a one room schoolhouse.

Harriet and her husband Carl lived in many places due to his career in the United States Air Force. As a Lieutenant Colonel, Carl had a demanding position in the military. There were many times that he was gone from home for months on end and multiple times that he was sent on remote assignments for over a year. During these times, Harriet ran the household and raised the four children on her own. She was an admirable military wife and devoted mother.

Harriet was a member of the Sons of Norway and the Lion’s Club. She was a longtime member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill, and was very involved in the church. Harriet was strong in her faith and church was an important part of her life. She was an organist/pianist and played for many church events. In earlier years, Harriet had also played in a traveling band with her sister.

Survivors include her daughter, Anne Torkelson of Merrill; son, Carl Torkelson of Merrill; daughter-in-law, Jean Torkelson of Marshfield; son-in-law, Tim Silvers of Chaska, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Ian Torkelson, Morgan (Angie) Torkelson, Jennifer Torkelson, Kelly Silvers, Catherine Silvers, and Matt Torkelson; three great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Josiah, and Jordan; and many nieces and nephews. Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Carl E. Torkelson; parents, Eddie and Mabel Hotvedt; daughter, Lois Silvers; son, Dr. Erik Torkelson; daughter-in-law, Peggy Torkelson; sisters, Maryann (George) Garbrecht and Lila Hotvedt; brother, John (Audrey) Hotvedt; and many sisters and brothers-in-law.

The funeral service for Harriet will begin at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Justin Smoot will officiate. The burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday at the church. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com