Alfred J. Torborg

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Alfred J. Torborg will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 11 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph, MN. Mr. Torborg died on Wednesday, November 5th, 2014, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House with his family at his side. The Reverend Jerome Tupa will be the celebrant. Burial will be in the St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery. Visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, November 10th at the Heritage Parish Center (adjacent to the church), and 9-10 a.m. prior to services. Parish prayers and American Legion prayers will be at 6 p.m. 

Alfred (Al) was born on September 14, 1929 in Richmond, MN to Henry Torborg and Frances Braegelman. He often joked that he caused the Great Depression. It was this sense of humor along with hard work on their family farm during these challenging times that developed a character and resilience that carried him through his 85 years.

Al served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War. He married Dolores Becker on October 18, 1955 at Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Richmond. They started their family in Cold Spring, MN, later moving to a farm in St. Joseph where he enjoyed his remaining 46 years. Al worked as a Field Representative for Associated Milk Producers Inc., in addition to running his hobby farm.

Al always had a smile or cheerful comment to all he came across and his dedication to his family, church, community and friends was an example to others. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, the St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Father Werner Council 7057 for 62 years. He was the 2014 Knight of the Year. He was an active member of the American Legion serving as color guard member, a flag bearer at funerals of Legion Members, and was the chairman of the highway clean-up operation. He drove for Meals on Wheels and was a member of the Rod and Gun Club sharing his gift and love of fishing with children in the community, along with teaching his own children and grandchildren throughout the years. In church he frequently served as an usher, and was active in setting up the 4th of July celebration for many years, always leading the way with his trusty pick-up.

Al enjoyed 25 years of retirement and stayed active and busy throughout. His master wood-crafting talents will be cherished by many. Over the years he generously donated many of his works to various causes and fundraisers. He also made a grandfather clock for each of his children along with doll houses, book shelves, clocks, flag boxes, and memorial boxes that will continue to be cherished in the homes of family and friends.

Al treasured time with his children, grand-children and great grand-children. He loved to socialize, play cards and would drop anything to go fishing. He rarely missed “happy hour” at the St. Joe Legion to get the “daily news”. He was an avid reader, and would frequently share books, stories, and his political views with others.

Survivors include his loving wife of 59 years, Dolores; children, Gary (Char) of St. Cloud, Dave (Sue) of Eagan, Randy (Patti) of St. Joseph, Steve (Chris) of Sartell, Cindy (Scott) Happe of St. Augusta, Alan (Janet) of Minneapolis, his 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Siblings, Alice Lauer, Bernice Evens, Jerome (Virginia) Torborg, Sr. Mary Josephine Torborg, Vi (Ben) Kalthoff, Herb (Emmy) Torborg, Urban Torborg, sister-in-law, Mary Helen Torborg, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his sons John and Donald, his parents; brother, Norb, sisters, Trudy and Monica; brothers-in-law, Al Lauer and Ralph Evens, and sister-in-law, Kathy Torborg.

A special thank you to the First Responders and the St. Cloud Hospital for their exceptional care, and the staff at the Quiet Oaks Hospice House to the special care given to our Father and family.

In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Quiet Oaks Hospice House.