Celia Bernadine Torgenrud

Celia Bernadine Torgenrud, 88, of Santa Barbara, CA and formerly of Polson, MT ended her earthly sojourn and went home to be with her heavenly father on September 14, 2011. She was born May 31, 1923 in Waukon, Iowa. In 1942 she married her high school sweetheart Don Torgenrud and they were married for nearly 60 years before her beloved husband preceded her in death. During their life together they relocated many times throughout the United States, as well as to Finland and Sweden, as a result of Don's military career. They finally settled on a small commercial cherry orchard on the East Shore of Flathead Lake upon Don's retirement from the Air Force in 1963, later relocating to Dayton and, subsequently, to Lakeside in their retirement years together. They were long term and active members of the congregation of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson and First Presbyterian Church in Polson and Dayton. She was active in elder visitation during her years at Dayton, and her deep faith in God sustained her over the last ten years. Family was always one of the singular hallmarks of Celia's life, and that family was centered around six children. She is survived by her children, Penn Borden of Santa Barbara, CA, Sherry Ferris (Bob) of Santa Barbara, CA, Leif (Laurie) of Spokane, WA, Kevin (Marty) of Polson, and Colin of Polson, as well as her daughter-in-law Heather Torgenrud of Arlee. She was preceded in death by her eldest son, Don. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Hastings (of Columbia, MO) and eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. A graveside service is being coordinated by Grogan Funeral Home for Monday, September 19, at 2:00 pm and internment will follow alongside her beloved husband at Lakeview Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Grogan Funeral Home, 101 Sixth Ave E., Polson, from 9 - 11 AM Monday morning. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mrs. Torgenrud's family.
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