Martin “Torg” Torgerson
Martin “Torg” Torgerson passed away at home surrounded by family the morning of Friday, Sept. 20, in Banner Elk, North Carolina. He was 86 years of age. Martin was born March 11, 1938, in Winamac, to William and Lucile (Long) Torgerson.
He graduated in 1956 from Winamac High School. He continued his education at Indiana State University where he earned a bachelor and masters in English.
Martin married Carol Sue Russell on May 29, 1965 at the First Christian Church in Logansport. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage. He was a retired teacher having taught literature, grammar, speech, journalism and writing throughout Loganland. He also was a varsity basketball coach and athletic director at Caston. He coached girls and boys basketball at many levels, girls’ golf and also baseball. After retirement from teaching at Winamac High School, he taught writing at Indiana University Kokomo.
For recreation, Martin loved to play golf and hunt for morel mushrooms. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Known as “Paw Paw” to his granddaughters, he especially liked to watch them play basketball.
Surviving along with his wife, Carol Sue, are his daughter Anne Torgerson of Los Angeles; son William and wife Megan of Banner Elk, North Carolina; and sister Katherine Fritz of Clearwater, Florida; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death were his parents Bill and Lucile Torgerson; brothers: Tom, David, Andrew, and Jason; and his sister Nancy Matthews.
Martin navigated Parkinson’s disease for several decades and credited his own positive outlook the result of his faith, the loving care of his family, and the inspiring work of the actor Michael J. Fox who also has Parkinson’s.
Martin said that donations could be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. eCards from the foundation can be sent to his wife Sue’s email address: TorgerC@yahoo.com and physical cards can be sent to 165 Leighway LN, Banner Elk, NC 28604.
As per his request, Martin was cremated and buried at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac, during a private ceremony.
Local arrangements were entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 25, 2024)