Paul Tormohlen

PAUL HARVEY TORMOHLEN FREEPORT - Friday, November 29, 2013, Paul Harvey Tormohlen put his hand in God's and walked into Glory, just the way he walked here on earth, trusting his heavenly Father completely. Paul was born Feb 21, 1923, in Kansas City Mo. The third son of the Rev. Harvey F. Tormohlen and Beatrice (Wilcox) Tormohlen, Paul was predeceased by his older brothers D. Phillip and J. William Tormohlen. The family moved to the Rockford area in 1926. Paul graduated from East High School in 1940 and attended the University of Illinois before he entered the Army in 1943. He was stationed in the South Pacific, seeing action in the Mariana, Philippine, and Okinawan Islands. Upon his honorable discharge, Paul resumed his automotive career, which began May 15, 1940 with Roy Carlson Hudson in Rockford. In 1947, he opened Hudson Beloit Company in South Beloit IL, becoming the youngest Hudson Dealer in North America. Upon the demise of Hudson Motor Corp., he founded PT Auto Sales, a used car dealership on 6th Street in Rockford. It was then that he met the Love of his Life, Betty J. Magnuson. They were married September 8, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. Paul closed PT Auto Sales and managed several dealerships in Rockford and Decatur before becoming the General Manager of Bachrodt Chevrolet in Freeport in February of 1972. In 1976, he purchased the dealership from Lou Bachrodt III with his friend Virgil Bocker. Tormohlen Bocker Chevrolet was the 8th dealership in the Nation to receive Chevrolet's highly coveted Service Supremacy Award. In 1983, Paul sold his share of the dealership to Virgil and purchased the Chrysler franchise in Freeport. Tormohlen Motor Sales was an award winning, family run dealership and a staple in the Freeport business community for 20 years. The Tormohlen's continued in the used car business, operating Tormohlen's Good People Automotive in Freeport and Monroe WI. Paul actively worked in the business until his death. Thousands of customers and many employees benefitted from his strong belief in ethical behavior and top notch customer service. Faith in God was paramount in Paul's life. He always kept a Bible in his desk, and referenced it frequently. He was a 40 year member of First Lutheran Church in Freeport where he enjoyed regular fellowship and Bible Study. Paul believed in helping others, and was very active in a number of service clubs. He was a 49 year member of the Lion's club, having helped build their Center for the Blind in Rockford before transferring to the Freeport chapter. He was also a member of the Y's Mens Club, Freeport Shrine Club, High Twelve Club, the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA Board of Directors, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association Insurance Trust Board, and the Hudson Essex Teraplane Antique Auto Club where he was a Past National Director. Paul became a Mason in 1969, and was active in both the Scottish and York Rites. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Paul had many hobbies and interests. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in the 1950's, and rekindled his love of flight when he again earned his pilot's wings in 1978. He owned several airplanes with Virgil Bocker. He loved antique cars, particularly Hudsons, and enjoyed attending car shows and meets where he could reminisce with fellow enthusiasts. He had several old Hudsons in his garage at the time of his death. Paul also enjoyed fishing and camping, taking many memorable family and "boys" trips over the years. He was an enthusiastic golfer, but enjoyed his fellowship with his golf buddies more than his score. Paul is survived by his loving wife, of 57 years, Betty; his two sons, Gordon (Lauri) and Thomas Tormohlen; grandchildren, Barrick and Karina Tormohlen, all of Freeport; and many beloved Nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 5, 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 303 South Galena Ave., Freeport. The Rev. Keith Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, and December 5, from 10 a.m. until time of service at First Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at Burritt Township Cemetery in Winnebago County. A memorial fund has been established. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories.