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KEITH TORGERSON Obituary
MAJOR USAF (RETIRED)
NOVEMBER 24, 1949 - MAY 1, 2012
Keith A. Torgerson was born on November 24, 1949 and passed away May 1, 2012. Keith, (Torgy, Mr. T, KFC) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Leaving behind his loving wife of 40 years, Sandra(Mehl), daughter Kelly Wissert(Gary), and son Lance. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald(Laura) Torgerson from Hillside, CO., and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death are his father and mother, Art and Doris Torgerson. Keith grew up in Dagmar, MT. From there he attended Montana State University with a commission as 2d Lt in the US Air Force. Keith and Sandra were married in June 1971 and awaited assignment in the Air Force in January 1972. He was stationed at Castle Air Force Base, CA and later entered the B-52 navigator training. After he was awarded his Navy wings, they were stationed at Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND for 6 years, with Keith navigating, evaluating, and instructing in B-52H bombers. He was stationed again at Castle Air Force Base, CA, assigned to instruct students and candidate instructors in the fine art of navigation and bombing in the B-52's. In 1992, Keith retired after 20 years as an officer and began teaching at Winton Middle School. For an additional 16 years he taught 6th graders until his retirement in 2008. After that he substituted in area schools in Merced County. This he did up until the day he was diagnosed with terminal esophageal and brain cancer in March 2010. Keith and Sandra enjoyed riding their horses. They formed a riding club named Buckaroo Banzai Equine Society. Many friends have enjoyed trail riding and camping with them from the mountains. Keith enjoyed riding Bullseye even while undergoing chemo/radiation treatments. Keith has touched many lives.... those of students in schools and flight training, fellow AF members, Christian and non-Christian friends, Bible Study members and fellow riders. Keith especially enjoyed maintaining contact with his world wide friends via Facebook, inspiring many with daily Bible verses, poking fun in good ways, and posting encouraging comments when needed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Winton First Southern Baptist Church in Winton. Arrangements are under the direction of Wilson Family Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please give to your favorite charity or to the Winton First Southern Baptist Church Building Fund.
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Memories and Condolences
for KEITH TORGERSON
Scott Franks
May 3, 2022
Torgy hard to believe it has been 10 years. I still think of all the good times we had in CFIC. I know you are having a reunion with all the brothers.
Kelly Wissert
June 4, 2012
Thanks from the Torgerson and Wissert Families for signing and being a part of this guest book for Keith. He is greatly missed. Will print all of these kind words our for Mom.
Debbie The Bus Driver
May 24, 2012
HONK!! HONK!! For you Mr. T. We could never say no to you with that big smile on your face and your arm in the air, signaling us so excitedly, to blast our air horns as we pulled away from the Winton Middle School after loading the students. : ) You brought joy to many lives here and will always be remembered. Thank You, for the time you with us.
David Affeldt
May 24, 2012
Sandy, Kelly, Lance, It was with great sadness that we received the news of your loss. Keith was a wonderful friend to me especially at a time when I needed one. When I first arrived at Castle AFB as a B-52 instructor he was the first person to shake my hand and evaluate my skills as a bomber crewmember. Our friendship grew because of our shared love of Jesus Christ and our mutual bond through the EV Free Church in Merced. His counsel as I prepared to retire from the Air Force was valuable to me. His willingness to share his friendship with me, Char, Jeremy, and Nichole will always be cherished by our family. May the Peace of God be with each of you as you remember the gift that God gave the world when He sent Keith into our lives.
David, Char, Nichole, Jeremy
May 17, 2012
My condolences and sympathy to Keith's family.
I proudly served with "Torgy" in CFIC at Castle.
I'm reminded of a part of an old poem...
"Because we flew. We envy no man on earth".
God bless this gentle man.
Jim Davis
Cindy Fuentes
May 16, 2012
Keith you are one of a kind. I enjoyed our deep conversations while racing our horses down the trails. I will miss you my friend. The pain from cancer is gone and now just smiles and long lasting health up where you belong. Vio Con Dios!
Maggie Skafidas
May 15, 2012
Keith always had a calming factor about him that was just special. Although I had not seen Keith for years, his smile and reasurring manner is still vivid in my mind. The world lost a good, kind, gentle man. But heaven gained an angel who I feel will be watching over all of us.
Rodrigo
May 15, 2012
I had Keith as a teacher in middle school, and let me tell you, he always made class fun! You will be dearly missed Mr. T!!! My prayers go out to the Torgerson family in there time of greiving...
Karen Woicik
May 14, 2012
Keith will be greatly missed. He was truely a remarkable person and such fun to be around. He was the best substitute teacher in my world of school.
May 14, 2012
Sandi, Kelly & Gary, Lance'
With our sympathy at your loss. But we know God is watching over you all.
Love,
Cliff and Pam
Amin Aur
May 14, 2012
Torgy...thanks for the laughs and wise counsel. I miss you, my friend. God bless.
Lance Torgerson
May 14, 2012
We Love You Dad! Your memory will live on in all of the people who's lives you touched through teaching and trail riding!
Debbi Stambaugh
May 14, 2012
Sandi - may you experience the deep love, peace and comfort that our Lord offers you at this time. My heart goes out to you, Kelly and Lance. I so enjoyed my years of working with Keith at WMS and appreciated his commitment to living out his faith in Christ in all arenas of life. He touched lives for the Lord, loved his family and enjoyed life. Doesn't get any better than that. Peace and blessings to you
Mark and Linda Crane
May 12, 2012
Torgy, Mark and I enjoyed your messages on Facebook. The memories of times at Castle, CFIC Bonding Balls, lunches at the Museum, and conversations we've had will be long remembered. Your race has been won, and you are safely in the arms of our Loving Savior! Mark and Linda Crane
Pete and Pat Kippie
May 12, 2012
Sandi: Pat and I often remembered the time we shared with you and Keith back at Mather AFB amost 40 years ago.....spontaneous get-together card games, late night "creature features", trips into San Francisco with the Wheelers, you and Pat sharing your pregnacies, and the list goes on. We always commented how Keith kept us rolling with his outrageous comments and how you just rolled your eyes and good naturedly put him back in his place. I know Keith touched thousands in his military and teaching careers. When Pat and I went to the B-1B program, several guys from Castle merged with us at Dyess. More than once, guys mentioned Keith with a funny story. Our son Kevin, now a Major at the Pentagon, mentioned that Keith's passing was announced in an email that circulated within the B-52 community. Keith was called "one of our own"....'one that made a lasting impression on his students." What touched me, is that this emailed mentioned Keith after he had been retired fron the Air Force for well over a decade. That's quite a tribute!! Sandi, Keith is gone only in his physical form...his spirit will certainly live on in all his family and his many, many friends. All our love, Pete and Pat Kippie
Guy McKee
May 12, 2012
Torgy was a mentor, colleague and dear friend. Pat and I will miss your Facebook posts. We still reminence about all the good times we had together. You will always remain in our thoughts.
Pat and Guy
Charlie & Linda Galatro
May 11, 2012
Keith ran the race that was set before him and he ran it well!! We're certain the Lord has already said,"Well done thy good and faithful servant."
Shelley Lema
May 10, 2012
The world needs more Keith Torgerson's! He was truly a kind person. Keith made work fun with his great sense of humor and he would gladly give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. I miss my friend.
Jim and Teresa Howard
May 10, 2012
Keith, what a great Trail Boss you were, you will be missed but always there. We know you are in a better place and free from cancer. It was truly an honor to have you as a friend. Go BBES !
May 10, 2012
Keith, You were truely a good friend..You will always be a part of our trail rides, our bbq's,and in our thoughts....Love you!!
Liz and Walt Landon
Scott & Georgia Franks
May 10, 2012
Torgy going to miss your humor on FB and the memories of bombardier bonding balls and CFIC. Via con Dios my friend. You are missed.
Toni and Ed Marquez
May 9, 2012
We are keeping you and your family in our prayers
Adrian Herrera
May 9, 2012
His Spirit riding with the wind
Galloping through Heaven's clouds
Rearing up not looking down
Upon God's horses will he be
Forever in the hearts of you and me
Heaven just got a little bit better,
Chris Hunwardsen
May 9, 2012
Keith, We already miss you so much but we're happy that you are home with the Lord! Thank you for touching our lives in so many ways. You are the best "Trail Boss" in the world!
Love you,
Chris and Dave
May 9, 2012
We love and miss you Dad. We know that we will see you again in heaven someday. Love you, Kelly and Gary
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