Michael Anthony Torkelson

Michael "Mike" Anthony Torkelson, 61, Duluth, MN passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth.
Mike was born April 1, 1964 in Crookston, MN to Gerald and Margaret (Nunn) Torkelson. He grew up in Park Rapids and during his school years he was active in 4-H and swimming. He graduated in 1982. After seeing Star Wars, his dream was to be the next Steven Spielberg and in 1987 Mike moved to California. After a few months, homesickness brought him back to MN. He attended Bemidji State University, graduating in 1991 with an English Teaching degree. On August 10, 1991 he married Tracie Wermerskirchen.
Mike taught high school English and drama at Willmar, Foley, Sartell and Two Harbors. He directed several high school plays and dramas. His proudest achievement was his production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat" which his drama department in Two Harbors produced. Mike also worked as a DJ for many years at various weddings and events and as a DJ at the Wadena Radio Station and Bemidji Radio Station. He worked for Pro Sound and Light Show in Duluth. Poor health forced Mike to retire in 2012.
Mike had a heart of gold and would do anything he could for those in need. He was very active in fund raising for cancer research, for the Minnesota Storm, and for Relay for Life. He collected toys for children at Christmas time to distribute to local churches, charitable organizations and Toy for Tots. Christmas will never be the same for his beloved nieces and nephews, and Godchildren, Robbie and Jadyn Sherk.
Mike loved playing cards and family get-togethers. He enjoyed hunting season at the "shack". He and Tracie enjoyed their trips around the country, exploring several historical sites and presidential museums. He enjoyed collecting toys and was an avid collector of all Star Wars and Super Hero items, among others.
Mike is survived by his wife, Tracie of Duluth; mother-in-law, Faye Wermerskirchen of Park Rapids; brothers-in-law, Scott (Wendy) Wermerskirchen of Breckenridge, MN, Steve (Kim) Wermerskirchen of Norwalk, IA, Michael (Colby) Colburn of Park Rapids; sister-in-law, Tammy (Ron) Hoffman of Cambridge, MN; aunts, Carol (Louie) Collins of Bemidji, MN, Sharon Buchanan of Park Rapids, Sheila (Chuck) Rognstad of Park Rapids, Vivian Torkelson of Park Rapids; uncle, Dave (Carol) Nunn of Menahga, MN; and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, other aunts and uncles, and many special friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Margaret Torkelson; father-in-law, Thomas Wermerskirchen; sister, Elizabeth Colburn; grandparents, Lawrence and Ellen Torkelson, Alfred and Lillian Nunn; aunts, Nancy Jones, Dora Kelley; and uncle, David Torkelson.
A visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, December 5, 2025 at the Cease Family Funeral in Park Rapids. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids. Visitation is for 1 hour prior at 9:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, please bring an unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots in memory of Mike.
Arrangements are by the Cease Family Funeral Home of Park Rapids, MN.