Martha E. Torkelson

  Martha E. “Marty” Torkelson, 87, Grand Forks, ND, died Friday, September 29, 2017 peacefully at home. Martha Elaine Nedberg was born February 7, 1930 in Aneta, ND, the daughter of Bennie and Emma (Running) Nedberg. She was raised on a farm outside of Northwood, ND and graduated from Aneta High School. She then attended St. Luke's School of Nursing at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and completed her nursing clinical rotation at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Martha married Otto “Jack” Torkelson on August 9, 1952 at West Union Church in Northwood. They moved to Biloxi, MS, and later to St. Paul., MN before coming to Grand Forks in 1964. There Martha worked as a nurse at the Deaconess Hospital. In 1976, Martha and Jack were instrumental in building the Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center where Martha served as Executive Director for over 20 years. Martha was proud of her Norwegian heritage, and she thoroughly enjoyed large family gatherings. She was also an active member of Calvary Lutheran Church of Grand Forks for 52 years where she volunteered with several committees and participated in the Coffee and Conversation Group. She enjoyed eating out with friends, playing Bunco and volunteering for charity events. She was also active in the Border Blades Figure Skating Club for many years. Survivors include, sons, Jim (Kathy) Torkelson, Paul (Lori) Torkelson; and daughters, Laurie (Greg) Holtman, Karen Ludington, and Patti (Mike) Simpson; daughter-in-law, Linda Torkelson; 23 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; brother, Erling (Fern) Nedberg; sisters, Alfa Haugen, Dorothy (Owen) Schott, Sylvia Rausch; and sister-in-law, Doris Vinger. Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Otto in 1995; son, Bob Torkelson; her parents, Bennie and Emma Nedberg; brother, Bud Nedberg; sisters, Irma Nygaard and Ruth Hovden. Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1405 S. 9th St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be Monday (today) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will continue for the hour before the service in the church. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery of Grand Forks.