Photo courtesy of DUNNIGAN-DIX FUNERAL HOME - CANDO
Sep 6, 1926 - Mar 21, 2024
Heidi, very sorry to hear of the passing of your dad. I always found him to be a kind and caring man. As someone who went to Kindergarten in you basement when your mom had it, he must have had great patience or maybe somewhere having coffee those mornings. I so admired how devoted you were coming back to Cando to be with him. Again, thinking if you and your brothers in your loss. Prayers for you all.
Brad Gibbens
June 14, 2024 | Grand Forks, ND | Friend
Our sympathies to you all. Art had a fun sense of humor and would announce himself as “AT”! He was truly delightful! He is missed by many; cherish all the memories.
Liesha & Bob Weltin
June 13, 2024 | CANDO, ND | Friend
Heidi and family,
Oh, I have fond memories of Art! He was always smiling or joking about something or other. When he delivered the post mail to our farm, once in a while he had to come to the door with a bigger package. Well, you can bet Marlene always had a cookie or carmel roll for him. He'll be greatly missed, I'm sure. He was a gentle good man.
Keep you memories close to your hearts!
With Deepest sympathy
Pamela Skarphol (Miller)
Wickenburg AZ
Pamela Skarphol
April 29, 2024 | Wickenburg, AZ | Acquaintance
A good man, a good neighborhe will be missed.
Karen Newman Midgarden
April 06, 2024 | West Fargo, ND
Art was a delight to me.
EdieLou Armey
March 28, 2024 | Cando, ND | Friend
My sincere condolences to Art's family. Cherish the memories you have. He was such a kind man.
Sharon Lilleberg
March 25, 2024 | Devils Lake, ND | Friend
Remembered By
Sharon Lilleberg
March 25, 2024 | Devils Lake, ND | Friend
To Steve, Jim and Heidi: my sincere condolences to you all!! We were neighbors for many years, and all those memories, I hold dearly. I remember Steven and Jimmy riding their bikes, and Heidi and her dolls!! Your dad was a great neighbor. Being Norwegian he valued his heritage! RIP Art!
Dianne Hyndman
March 24, 2024 | West Fargo, ND | Neighbor
My sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved father. May God comfort you w cherished, awesome memories. He was a true community treasure, friend, and neighbor to everyone. His marvelous sense of humor was a gift. Hugs and many prayers during this difficult time. Special hugs to Heidi. ❤
Diane Newman McDowell
March 23, 2024 | St. Augustine, FL | Friend
Arthur “Art” Torkelsen 97, of Cando, ND passed away on Friday, March 21, 2024 at his home. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 29 at 11:00 am at the Cando United Methodist Church with Dr. Timothy McDowell officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church with military honors. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, ND.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials in Art’s name are preferred to the Cando Arts Council, PO Box 368, Cando, ND 58324 or Cando Community Library, PO Box 798, Cando, ND 58324.
Art was born September 6, 1926 in Cando, ND to his mother Gudrun Underdahl and father Torkel Torkelsen. When WWII started, he enlisted in the Navy, hoping to enter Officer Training and fly Jets. While he was waiting for Officer Training he worked at the Pentagon where he was a courier on the first floor to the Secretary of the Navy. A handcuffed briefcase was taken by “Dad” to the third floor where it was unlocked and taken into the Secretary. The war ended before he could enter officer training. Art was a rural mail carrier in the morning and would help Ray Bergdahl in the afternoon with carpentry projects.
In the 50’s, he met a new teacher at the Cando Public School, named Leona Daleness. The fell in love, married, and he built the house they lived in for 70+ years of marriage. Instead of having their own children, they adopted 3 children; Steven Arthur Torkelsen, Bismarck, ND, James Bradley Torkelsen, Cando, ND and Heidi Torkelsen Holmes who lives in Alameda, CA with her husband Thomas. Heidi is a Neonatal ICU RN at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, CA.
After the nest was empty, Art and his wife Leona looked forward to retirement and spending the weekends at their cabin at Rock Lake, Manitoba. In 1995, a second generation of Torkelsens moved to Cando. Art and Leona became foster parents to James’ children, Brad and Trisha.
Art's hobbies were his avid love of reading, fishing, hunting, golf and yard work. He was a member of the Cando Volunteer Fire Department, Cando Arts Council, School Board and the United Methodist Church. He had a little white poodle named “Chewy” who became his constant companion. He lived a full active life, known by all in the town of Cando.
Art was preceded in death by his beloved wife Leona, his mother Gudrun, father Torkel, an older brother Oscar, younger brother Melvin. He is survived by his younger sister, Lois Daering, sons Steve and James and daughter Heidi; two grandchildren Brad and Trisha who both reside in Cando; 4 granddaughters Alexia, Pearl, Abigail and Anna who came to Cando to live along with their mother in the summer of 2023. Art got to know all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He went to be with Leona, his wife of 70+ years in the home he built. He is probably walking Chewy right now in Heaven.
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