1918
2014
Elden Torstenson
Clive
Elden Tomas Torstenson, devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and long time Des Moines area resident, passed away at the age of 96 at Mercy Medical Center-West Lakes in West Des Moines on June 30, 2014.
Elden was born on May 29, 1918 in Vermillion, SD to parents, Allen Thomas and Mary Estelle (Brest)Torstenson. He grew up on a farm in South Dakota and had three siblings: Vern, Opal, and Roy. Elden is survived by daughter, Sharon Baker (Doug) of West Des Moines; sons, Tom (Susan Evers) of Adel, and Ted (Tammy) of Waukee; ten grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
In high school, Elden played football for which he received a full college scholarship for his prowess on the field. Having lost his father suddenly at the young age of six, Elden had to decline the scholarship so he could help his family survive the Great Depression. This self-sacrifice taught him the importance of hard work, devotion to family, and unconditional love which he demonstrated consistently from youth through his final years at Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center, IA.
After high school, Elden worked many jobs and eventually became a licensed journeyman and owner of Ankeny-Des Moines Plumbing where he worked until his first retirement. He announced during a family dinner at the age of 82 that he had something important to tell his family: He had decided to retire! He then explained that he was not renewing his plumbing license. Elden was well-known throughout his long life to help everyone with their projects, before and after his second 'retirement!
Elden met the love of his life, Virginia (Thomas) Torstenson, on a group outing to the Tulip Festival in Pella. They married in 1940 and honeymooned at the Iowa State Fair! Together, using church and the Bible as their handbook for parenting, they raised their three children, instilling the importance of faith and family connection. They shared seventy loving and fulfilling years together until Virginia's death in May of 2010.
Elden proudly served his country in WWII as an Army Staff Sergeant in the 45th Division Company K 179th Infantry. He earned two bronze stars and a purple heart in the European campaign. Elden and Virginia were active members at Cottage Grove Presbyterian Church in Des Moines for well over 50 years. They later attended different churches in the suburbs as he and Virginia moved further west in their retirement.
Elden enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, and playing pool in his retirement, but most of all, Elden enjoyed spending time with family. They were the center of his world. Family gatherings were held regularly in his long, full life, which included Sunday family dinners, card games, and birthday parties. On his 80th birthday, Elden demonstrated he could still play a mean game of water balloon volleyball and perform amazing headstands! He was a health food/fitness nut long before the current day craze and encouraged family to do the same.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 at McLaren's Funeral Home in West Des Moines with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Visitation with family will be from 10 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Animal Rescue League.
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6 Entries
Bob and I have many great memories of Elden, going back over 35 years. He just had a way with people, he had an impact on everyone he met. And that sense of humor! Rest in peace Elden, we love you. Bob and Chris McKinney
Chris McKinney
July 12, 2014
We celebrate the life of a wonderful man and will always remember the good times spent with Eldon And Virginia at Village Inn-- Our prayers are with the family
Harold and Marguerite Gross
July 10, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
A. H.
July 7, 2014
Rest in Peace. May you and Aunt Virginia forever Dance with the Angels.Love you Both.
Marka "Sue" Mathe
July 6, 2014
What a life. Your father must have been an amazing man, Tom. Phyllis and Jim Ketring
July 6, 2014
Tom and family:
Your father was a awesome man and I know you will miss him. May all your great memories give you comfort at this sad time.
Barbara Harkin
July 6, 2014
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Funeral services provided by:
McLarens Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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