Robert Joseph Toren

Obituary

Robert Joseph Toren, the son of the late Arvid and Teckla (Smith) Toren, was born on September 20, 1922, in Spruce Valley Township of Marshall County, near Middle River, Minnesota. He attended the former District # 74 School near his home, and was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. ""Joe' farmed in Spruce Valley Township, raising small grains and beef cattle, in addition to dairy farming. He was a member of Fist Lutheran Church of Middle River and of the Middle River Community Club. He also served on the Spruce Valley Town Board for several years, and was a member of the Middle River Senior Citizens Group and the Holt Keenagers. On July 6, 1968, Joe was united in marriage to Thelma Kolden Anderson at Middle River. The couple farmed in Spruce Valley Township. Thelma passed away April 22, 1986, and Joe continued to live on the farm until July of 2000, when he moved to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Warren, Minnesota, where he passed away on Tuesday afternoon, July 26, 2005, at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 6 days. He is survived by one sister: Gladys (Myron) Sorter, of Newfolden, MN.; three step-sons: Calvin and Donald (Darlene) Anderson, both of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, and Robert (Jan) Anderson, of Thief River Falls; four step-daughters: Patricia (Robert) Swan, Madison, Wisconsin; Maxine (Ed) Monson, of Gatzke, Minnesota; Juneve (Dave) Givers, of Moorhead, Minnesota; and Wanda Johaneson, Thief River Falls; in addition to several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, two brothers: Melvin and Paul; two step-grandsons: Tom Monson and Casey Johaneson; and sister-in-law: Helen Toren. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Sat. at the First Lutheran Church in Middle River. Visitation will be after 6 p.m. Fri. with a 7 p.m. prayer service at the Collins Funeral Chapel, Middle River, and at the church one hour prior to services Sat. morning. Collins Funeral Home, Middle River, MN., has charge of funeral arrangements.