Dorothy Patricia Torgerson of Clarkfield, Minnesota, born on January 18, 1933, went to our Savior on Friday, March 6, 2009, at her home after a courageous battle against ALS. Dorothy grew up on a farm near Valley City, North Dakota. She was the oldest of eight siblings. She attended Green Country School before graduating from Valley City College High in 1952. Having her fill of caring for seven other siblings she quickly moved to Fargo, North Dakota. A few years later Dorothy moved to Colorado in 1957 where she gave her life to the Lord. She then returned to North Dakota, to acquire a two year teaching degree at Valley City State Teachers College in 1963. After which she moved to Columbia Falls, Montana, where she taught third grade for three years before returning to college to complete her four year degree. She then taught in Granite Falls Elementary, Granite Falls, Minnesota, from the fall of 1967 to 1970 during which time she met and married Curtis Torgerson of Clarkfield, Minnesota, on July 19, 1969. They had two children: Mark born in 1970 and Michelle in 1974. In 1975 Dorothy began teaching again as a Title 1 Teacher at H.A. Hagg Elementary School in Clarkfield, until she officially retired in 1999 after 27 years of service to Yellow Medicine East District. Dorothy loved to sew and after retirement, quilting quickly became a passion of hers. However, her personal hobbies always took a back seat to the needs of others. She volunteered at Special Touch summer camp near Foston, Minnesota, for challenged children for many years, went on a mission trip to Belize, sponsored four different children in third world countries, taught Sunday School for many years, served on the board at the Valhalla Apartments and always reached out to those needing a hand. For those not needing a helping hand, there was always a hot cup of coffee upon your arrival and if you were fortunate, a delicious treat from the kitchen. Dorothy is survived by her husband Curtis; children: Mark and Michelle (husband William); mother Synova; brothers: Gerald, Earl, Bertel, and David; sisters: Carol, Pamella and Diane; god children: Lynn Pedersen and Kirsten (Pedersen) Gulden. Her father, Paul Pedersen (2002) and mother Ruth Falstad (1939) preceded Dorothy. Visitation Wednesday, March 11, 2009 - 5:00-7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota A Celebratory Ceremony Thursday, March 12, 2009 ~ 11:00 a.m. Community Bible Church, Montevideo, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Bruce Jarman Organist, JoAnn Hildahl Special Music David Rupp "Jesus Led Me All the Way" "I'd Rather Have Jesus" "You and Me Jesus" by Jake Hess (CD) Honorary Casket Bearers Trevor Bjerke * Jim Stevens Casket Bearers (Son-in-law) William Halley (Nephews) Travis Bjerke * Tyler Bjerke Steve Gulden * Brian Pedersen Dean Pedersen * Steven Pedersen Final Resting Place Clarkfield City Cemetery, Clarkfield, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota