Valerie Bertha Torkelson, age 91, of Monroe, passed away with her family by her side on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at SSM Health Monroe Hospital.
Valerie was born on November 23, 1930 in rural Monticello, WI. She was the daughter of Amos and Katherine (Gmur) Zimmerman. While growing up on the farm, Valerie would be employed as a babysitter. When she was older she became a nurse’s aide at then the St. Clare Hospital in Monroe. She would meet the love of her life, Bertrum R. Torkelson, when her brother introduced them at a dance. Bert would later become a Korean War draftee and while on leave, Bert returned home to marry Valerie on December 6, 1950 in Monticello. When Bert was honorably discharged in 1952, Bert, Valerie, and their children would farm in Green County for approximately 30 years before retiring and moving to Monroe. Bert would pass away in 2002.
Valerie was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe, and a life member of the Cecil Jones VFW Post #2312 Auxiliary, Monroe. While a member of the Auxiliary, she would serve in many different offices and chairmanships. She would work the Buddy Poppy Sales, fish fries, fair stands, fire schools, blood donation drives, and other auxiliary projects when called upon to help. Her favorite chairmanship involved the promoting of the VFW Auxiliary scholarships where she would go deliver the applications to area schools. She enjoyed attending the awards ceremony and was proud to the present the scholarship to her grandchildren when they were the recipient. She loved her parakeet, baking, playing cards, and mostly spending as much time as she could with all her family.
Survivors include her two sons, Russ (Sue) Torkelson of Monticello, Duane (Cheryl) Torkelson of Lake Carroll, IL; a daughter, Diane Kuhnle of Brodhead; grandson, Jason (Katrina) Kuhnle; ten granddaughters, Brenda (John) Kuhnle, Wendy (Chuck) Fahey, Angie (Tim) Edge, Lacy (Nick) Oster, Christina (Dan) Bleifuss, Chantel (Matt) Dunwiddie, Katie (Todd) Richardson, Jessie (Robert) Torkelson Frank, Lindsey (Jamie) White, Heidi (Tom) Torkelson Lobdell; 24 greatgrandchildren; three sisters, Gloria Thoman, Ilene Schneider, Grace (Dennis) Feller; and several nieces and nephews. Valerie was preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Kimberly Kuhnle; three brothers, Ralph, Dwight, and Gordon Zimmerman; a sister, Kay Krahenbuhl; several brothers and sisters-in-law; and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 12:00 p.m., at Grace Lutheran Church, Monroe, with Pastor John Tabaka officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Monroe. Visitation will be at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. A memorial fund will be established in Valerie’s name. The NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, is assisting the family. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net
Valerie’s family would like to thank the SSM Health nursing and medical staff for their wonderful care.
