Douglas James Torgerson

Douglas J. Torgerson, age 72, of Grove City, MN died on Friday March 1, 2019 at his home in Grove City, MN. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 6:00 PM at South Grove Gym. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City. Douglas James Torgerson, the son of Ervin and Audrey (Anderson) Torgerson was born on November 12, 1946 in Belgrade, MN. He graduated from Belgrade High School in 1964 and continued his education graduating from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa graduating in 1968. Doug served in the US ARMY from 1970 - 1972 and completed his Masters Degree at St. Cloud State University. Doug was a teacher and coach at Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School for many years and more recently a coach at the Buffalo Lake-Hector High School. His contributions as a coach earned him a statewide recognition, as he was inducted into the Minnesota Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame Class of 2018. He also taught drivers training and mowed lawns during the summer for many years. Doug had a strong faith and lived his life with Christian values. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City. Doug worked hard and physically challenged himself whether he was teaching, coaching or working on his lawn at home. He loved his family and was a caregiving mentor, both at school and church. He coached many growing young men with firm kindness and taught students that life decisions were about choice, not chance. Doug was a talented singer and made two recordings of his music. He sang at church and at many of his former students weddings over the years. He enjoyed hosting family and guests at his home, and was an excellent baker, making delicious pies, cookies and hot dishes. Doug had a welcoming personality and enjoyed gardening, landscaping and watching sports, especially the Gophers and Twins. Doug is survived by his daughters Carrie (Craig) Bartz of Hudson, WI and Jennifer (Kirk) Marty of Hudson, WI; special friend Kathie Radcliffe and her daughter Katrina; grandchildren Brady, Quinn, Libby and William; brothers Wayne (Linda) Torgerson of Milford, IA and Jerry (Cindy) Torgerson of Belgrade, MN; Godson Skylar Mortenson; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and extended family. Doug was preceded in death by his parents Ervin and Audrey.