Alfred J. Torborg, 85
St. Joseph
Sept. 14, 1929 – Nov. 5, 2014
Alfred J. Torborg, 85, of St. Joseph, died Nov. 5 with his family at his side at Quite Oaks Hospice House, St. Cloud. His funeral was held Nov. 11 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph. The Rev. Jerome Tupa officiated. Burail was in the St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery.
Torborg was born Sept. 14, 1929 in Richmond, Minn. to Henry Torborg and Frances Braegelman. He often joked he caused the Great Depression. It was this sense of humor along with hard work on their family farm during these challenging times that developed a character and resilience that carried him through his 85 years.
Torborg served honorably in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married Dolores Becker on Oct. 18, 1955 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Richmond. They started their family in Cold Spring, Minn., later moving to a farm in St. Joseph where he enjoyed his remaining 46 years. He worked as a field representative for Associated Milk Producers Inc., in addition to running his hobby farm.
Torborg always had a smile or cheerful comment to all he came across and his dedication to his family, church, community and friends was an example to others. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Father Werner Council 7057 for 62 years. He was the 2014 Knight of the Year. He was an active member of the American Legion serving as color guard member, a flag bearer at funerals of Legion members, and was the chairman of the highway clean-up operation. He drove for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Rod and Gun Club sharing his gift and love of fishing with children in the community, along with teaching his own children and grandchildren throughout the years. In church he frequently served as an usher, and was active in setting up the Fourth of July celebration for many years, always leading the way with his trusty pick-up.
Torborg enjoyed 25 years of retirement and stayed active and busy throughout. His master wood-crafting talents will be cherished by many. Throughout the years he generously donated many of his works to various causes and fundraisers. He also made a grandfather clock for each of his children along with doll houses, book shelves, clocks, flag boxes and memorial boxes that will continue to be cherished in the homes of family and friends.
Torborg treasured time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to socialize, play cards and would drop anything to go fishing. He rarely missed “happy hour” at the American Legion in St. Joseph to get the “daily news.” He was an avid reader, and would frequently share books, stories and his political views with others.
Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Dolores; children, Gary (Char) of St. Cloud, Dave (Sue) of Eagan, Randy (Patti) of St. Joseph, Steve (Chris) of Sartell, Cindy (Scott) Happe of St. Augusta, Alan (Janet) of Minneapolis, his 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Alice Lauer, Bernice Evens, Jerome (Virginia) Torborg, Sr. Mary Josephine Torborg, Vi (Ben) Kalthoff, Herb (Emmy) Torborg, Urban Torborg, sister-in-law, Mary Helen Torborg, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his sons John and Donald; brother, Norb; sisters, Trudy and Monica; brothers-in-law, Al Lauer and Ralph Evens; and sister-in-law, Kathy Torborg.
A special thank you to the first responders and the St. Cloud Hospital for their exceptional care, and the staff at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House to the special care given to our father and family.