Ardelle Joan Torkelson

Ardelle Joan Torkelson (Tjentland) ObituaryArdelle J. Torkelson, age 89, entered eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 7, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivah and Alvin Tjentland, and her son, Marcus. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Torkelson; sons Michael (Susie) and Bruce (Kristen); daughter-in-law Pam; sister Carol and brother Lowell; and six cherished grandchildren: Colin, Abigail, Mallory, Calvin, Duncan, and Finn.
Ardelle was born on January 27, 1936, during one of the harshest winters in Minnesota history. She was welcomed home from the hospital in a horse-drawn sleigh and raised on a farm south of Storden, Minnesota. Ardelle earned her degree in early childhood education from Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, and went on to teach elementary students before dedicating herself to raising a family.
In July 1958, Ardelle married the love of her life, Robert Torkelson. Together, they raised three sons, primarily in Michigan. In the mid-1970s, the couple lived in London, England for four years, an experience that sparked a lifelong love of travel. From a small Minnesota farm, Ardelle journeyed to 48 U.S. states and more than 25 countries, broadening her worldview and deepening her faith.
After retirement, Ardelle and Bob returned to Minnesota, settling in Excelsior, where they have lived for the past 35 years. They made Mount Calvary Lutheran Church their spiritual home, where Ardelle remained deeply committed-attending weekly services, Bible studies, and community events.
A lifelong advocate for education, Ardelle shared with Bob a strong belief in the power of learning, service, faith, and community. In this spirit, they established an endowed scholarship at Concordia College, awarded annually to a student pursuing a degree in education-ensuring Ardelle's legacy continues to shape future generations.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Excelsior, MN, preceded by a visitation at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to Concordia Language Villages:
https://concordialanguagevillages.givingfuel.com/it-takes-a-village-fund
Feel free to support a language program of your choice.
Ardelle J. Torkelson, age 89, entered eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on July 7, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivah and Alvin Tjentland, and her son, Marcus. She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Torkelson; sons Michael (Susie) and Bruce (Kristen); daughter-in-law Pam; sister Carol and brother Lowe