Otis Charles Torke Born to Life: Sunday, January 13, 1918 Born to Eternal Life: Sunday, February 24, 2013 Otis Charles Torke was born on January 13, 1918, to parents Peter and Mina (Christiansen) Torke on their farm in Sandnes Township of Yellow Medicine County. He was baptized on February 26, 1918, and confirmed on May 28, 1933, both at Yellow Medicine Lutheran. He attended Clearview Country School for six years and Hanley Falls Public School for two additional years. Otis worked for Albert Peterson in the Peterson Store in Hanley Falls for four years. After some time, when his mother became ill, his father asked him to come home to help with the farming. In 1939, Otis purchased his first 40 acres of land. Otis married Bernice M. Hempel of rural Hanley Falls on December 14, 1941, at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Granite Falls. They lived on the 40 acre farm until they moved to the Torke family farm. They took care of Otis' father, Peter, for about four years. Otis and Bernice remained on the farm until they retired and moved to West Prairie Apartments in Cottonwood in 2004. They moved to their apartment at Hill Street Place in Marshall in 2010 and he remained there until he entered the Morningside Care Center in February of last year. Otis passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at Avera Morningside Care Center at the age of 95 years, 1 month and 11 days. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Bernice, of Hill Street Place and his children Orlen (Sande) Torke of Hanley Falls, Orrvin (LaVonne) Torke of Granite Falls, Larry (Kathy) Torke of Hanley Falls, Wesley (Ann) Torke of Lucan, Christy (Brad) Beebout of Cottonwood, daughter-in-law Sandy Torke of Hanley Falls; 24 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by son, Bruce; daughter-in-law, Sherry Torke; grandchildren: Lisa, Wade and David Torke; and his siblings, Kenneth, Bennett, Palma Engebretsen and Harold. Otis was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He put his trust in the Lord. He loved working the land and was a true farmer in every aspect. His family, his faith and his love of God were the most important things in his life. Blessed be his memory. In Loving Memory of Otis C. Torke Visitation Friday, March 1, 2013 ~ 12:00-1:30 p.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Hanley Falls, Minnesota Funeral Service Friday, March 1, 2013 ~ 1:30 p.m. Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church, Hanley Falls, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor David Wall Scripture Readings Wendy Wales ~ Brenda Karstan Organist, Colleen Hewitt Congregational Hymns Soloist, Ken Timm Remembrances Tracey Torke ~ Melissa Nelson Honorary Casket Bearers (granddaughters) Karla Torke ~ Brenda Karstan ~ Alita Torke Melissa Nelson ~ Stephanie Cox ~ Kimberly Torke Wendy Wales ~ Sheila Minsaas ~ Emily Johnson Chelsi Torke ~ Cynthia Torke ~ Kiley Torke Casket Bearers (grandsons) Tracey Torke ~ John Minsaas ~ Nathan Torke Jason Torke ~ Wesley Torke Jr. ~ Cody Torke Ben Beebout ~ Beau Torke ~ Tyson Beebout Travis Torke ~ Justin Torke ~ Corey Specht Final Resting Place West Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery Sandnes Township Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota