October 3, 1940 – April 24, 2025
Leslie Torkelson, 84, of Forest City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 24, 2025, surrounded by his family at MercyOne Medical Center North Iowa.
A funeral service will be held at 10:30 A.M., Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at United Methodist Church, 305 South Clark Street, Forest City, with Pastor Les Green officiating.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday morning.
Burial will take place in Ellington Township Cemetery in rural Forest City, IA.
On October 3, 1940, God granted a blessing in Hancock County of a baby boy Leslie Elvin Torkelson to Othelia and Clarence Torkelson. He was the 7th blessing of 10. He spent his early years with his cousin Clifford whose mom Lillian had a special place in his heart. They loved to swim and work for their uncles. He attended schools in Fertile, but books took a backseat to basketball and his best friend, Ed Kirschbaum. He graduated in 1959 and got a job at the John Deere plant in Ankeny while living with his sister Margie, her husband Kenny and his brother Jr.
Fast forward to a fall night in 1959 when his friend and girlfriend wanted to ditch a tag along so they lined him up with Paulette Steinmetz which led to a marriage on August 11, 1961. To this union, a daughter Valerie was born in 1964 and a son Wade in 1966. Shortly after their marriage, Les entered the Army Reserve.
Upon returning to Forest City, he went to work for Winnebago Industries, retiring after 35 years in 1998. After retirement, he joined the senior golf tour while working part-time with Larry Nerdig as a handyman. These jobs were however interrupted with babysitting 3 wonderful grandchildren- Joshua, Emily, and Ethan. Spoiling them wasn’t easy but he was sure successful. He also had to spend many hours perfecting his golf game which I must admit he was a pretty accomplished senior golfer. Oh, and did I mention he has 3 holes in one. Among his other passions were his ’55 Chevrolet and guitars. He did love Elvis but evolved into enjoying gospel in his later years. He also loved cheering for his Iowa Hawkeyes.
Meeting him at Heaven’s gate are his son, Wade; his parents, Clarence and Othelia; siblings, Margie Helen, Margie, Clarence Jr, Carroll, and Wayne; father-in-law, Merle Steinmetz, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Those left to celebrate his life are his loving wife, Paulette; his daughter, Valerie (Steve) Malchow; his grandchildren, Joshua (Britta) Malchow, Emily Malchow, and Ethan (girlfriend Estrella) Torkelson; daughter-in-law, Dana Torkelson; brothers and sisters, Bernice, Ronald(wife Lucille), Roger, and Marsha; sister-in-law, Janice Torkelson; mother-in-law, Tharon Steinmetz; brother-in-law, Terry (Joanne) Steinmetz; 5 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his favorite golf buddy, Barry Bendickson. Oh- and let’s not forget Lexi, the very spoiled dog!
Les has left us with many treasured memories. But these famous words, “Don’t be so quick to criticize” will make me stop, think, and smile about this very kind and strong man I had the privilege of living with and sharing my life with for almost 64 years!
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