Thorvald Lokken

Thorvald Spencer "Torrie" Lokken June 4, 1932-May 12, 2025

Thorvald Spencer "Torrie" Lokken passed away peacefully while embraced by his daughters Michelle and Debi and son-in law Tom on May 12, 2025, at his home in Holmen, Wisconsin, at the age of 92. Born on June 4, 1932, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Torrie lived a life rooted in hard work, devotion to family, and a deep connection to the land.

Torrie's early years were shaped by rural life and a strong sense of community. He was a star third baseman and loved to go to Carson Park with his Dad to watch the semi-pro teams play.

Torrie even caught a foul ball hit by Hank Aaron. He attended a one-room schoolhouse through the eighth grade and graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School in 1950. In 1952, Torrie enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, leaving his parent's farm for basic training in Texas before being stationed at Smoky Hill Air Force Base in Kansas. There, Torrie served with distinction in a Crash and Rescue unit and achieved the rank of Senior Airman. Among the many memorable moments of his service was welcoming President Dwight D. Eisenhower during his many visits to his nearby ranch and attending many USO shows featuring legendary performers such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and the Mandrell Sisters.

It was during this time that Torrie met the love of his life, Mary Young. The two were married on February 27, 1955, at the Smoky Hill Air Force Chapel. Their union spanned 61 years until Mary's passing and was marked by unwavering partnership and shared purpose.

After being honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1956, Torrie and Mary returned to Wisconsin where they built a life centered around family and stewardship of the land. In addition to dairy farming, Torrie worked full-time at Johnson Litho Graphics in Eau Claire and was a proud Union member and Honorary Life Member of the Graphics Communications International Union.

Outside of work, Torrie found joy and fulfillment on their farm in Strum, Wisconsin. A true keeper of the good earth, he planted thousands of pine trees and cultivated corn and vibrant vegetable and flower gardens. Their farm was home to dairy cows, chickens, pigs, horses, dogs, cats-and for one memorable year-even geese. (Much to daughter Michelle's dissatisfaction and daughter Kris's delight) Torrie's dedication made the farm an immaculate haven that reflected his love for nature and belief that he felt closest to God when surrounded by it.

Torrie cherished time spent outdoors and especially looked forward to fishing, turkey hunting, and especially to deer hunting trips at Deer Camp near Fall Creek with his brother Paul, his nephews, and in earlier years, one of his best friends, Dick Walk. These traditions became treasured chapters in a life filled with meaningful connections and many stories. During Torrie's final years he loved to watch the birds come to his chairside window feeder. A beautiful Cardinal and the first Hummingbird of the season both visited Torrie on his last day with us.

Torrie often reflected on the remarkable changes he witnessed throughout his lifetime. As he often told their daughter Michelle: "I'm almost 100 years old, just think about all I've seen in my lifetime. I remember riding to town from our farm with my Dad in a horse-drawn cart to sell our flowers and cucumbers in Eau Claire to watching our country put a man on the moon." He took two special airplane trips with his daughter Michelle to view the Statute of Liberty in New York City and later was honored with the Freedom Honor Flight to tour the Memorials in Washington D.C.

Torrie's legacy lives on through their children: Debi (Roger) Riedel; Michelle (Tom) Kelley; Kris (Mike) Gingras; and Gary (Fukiko) Lokken; his brother Paul Lokken; grandchildren: Charles (Rosmar) Riedel; Alise (Kyle) Kostick; Willie (Leah) Riedel; Trinity (Mariah) Scharlau; Tyler Scharlau; Makenzie (Ruben) Alvarado; Preston Gingras; Victor Lokken; Vince Lokken; great-grandchildren: Holley Riedel; Lenna Riedel; Tommi Riedel; Rocky Kostick; Flynn Kostick; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Torrie was a wonderful father and an incredible grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Lokken; parents Arthur and Ethel Lokken; sisters Erma (Robert) Nelson and Marion (Pete) Solomakos; sister-in-law Karen Lokken; grandson Anthony Riedel; mother and father-in-law Clara and Les Young; brother-in-law Leonard Young; and sisters-in-law Juanita Granlund and Shirly Mauro.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to daughter Michelle and her husband Tom for their years of loving care for Torrie. Special thanks also go to the compassionate team at Mayo Hospice for guiding Torrie gently on his final journey.

May Torrie's memory bring comfort to all who knew him and may his legacy live on through the lives he touched so deeply. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, visitation between the hours of 11:00 AM and 12 noon with a service to follow at Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona. Following the service, a graveside military salute for Torrie's service in the U.S. Air Force will be held at 1:15 PM at his final resting spot next to his wife Mary at Rest Havens Cemetery in Eau Claire. Lunch will be served at the funeral home following the military ceremony.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.