To the whole Torborg family. My deepest sympathy for your loss. Mary Helen was such a beautiful person inside and out. What a beautiful mass and tribute to Mary Helen. Her family was so important to her. Thank you for allowing us to view it.
Mary Helen (Rollinger) Torborg
November 3, 1929 – October 26, 2020
The world lost a lot of kindness, compassion, humor and optimism when Mary Helen left us to be with The Lord on Monday, October 26th.
Due to Covid, a private family-only Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 31st at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. The service will be live streamed. Please join us via You Tube. https://youtu.be/EqFRkePepxE
Mary Helen was born on November 3rd, 1929 to Nicholas and Mary Helen (Kieffer) Rollinger in St. Paul. Her parents both passed when she was very young, and she was raised by her two aunts, Mary and Ann Rollinger. She attended grade school at St. Bernard’s Catholic School and high school at St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy. She met her husband, Norbert Torborg, in Richmond, while attending the wedding of a friend. They were married on December 27th, 1952 and resided in Richmond.
Mary Helen and Norb moved to Paynesville in 1954 when they purchased the International Harvester Dealership. They renamed it Torborg Equipment and ran the business until Norb’s passing in 1984 at which time their son, Roger, took over the business. Mary Helen also worked at Easterday’s and The Corner Drugstore.
Mary Helen loved people and she loved to be busy. She was an active member of St. Louis Catholic Church. She belonged to the choir and the Sodality Club i.e. Ladies Aid. If she wasn’t sewing hats for cancer patients or driving the elderly to appointments with the R.O.S.E. Center, you could find her playing cards. She played in a Samba group, Cancerama, Bridge, and 500. It was not unusual for her to have two card groups in one day! She was a member of the original Red Hat Society. In the evening she would also be embroidering, crocheting, quilting, or working a puzzle or on a craft project. She was an avid MN Twins fan. Her home was always open to anyone that wanted to stop by. Visitors were always welcome.
All holidays were special days for celebration because it meant family would be together. Mary Helen was the happiest spending time with her family. It didn’t matter what they were doing or where they were going, she wanted to be a part of it. Family meant everything to her. She was a loving Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She taught us patience, to persevere, and to remain optimistic.
Mary Helen is survived by her loving family, Roger (Sharon) Torborg of Paynesville, Jeanne (Reed) Bales of Orono, Mark (Deb) Torborg of Mt. Joy, PA, Jim (Vicky) Torborg of Apple Valley, Dan (Rita) Torborg of White Bear Lake and Jill (Paul) Neu of Plymouth; 16 grandchildren, Julie, Brenda, Christine, Rick, Andy, Brad, Jake, Josie, Ryan, Adam, Ali, Carli, Taryn, Andra, Erica, and Jessica; and 7 great-grandchildren, Norah, Cooper, Carter, Gracen, Kenzie, Karter and Remi.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Norb; children, Carol, Tommy and Todd; granddaughter, Kenzie; siblings, Aloysius Rollinger, Clarence Rollinger, Helen Curran, Agnes Lang, Larry Rollinger, and infant twin sister.
The family would like to thank the staff at Asher Haus in Cold Spring, MN for the compassionate care that Mary Helen received during her short time as a resident. We would also like to thank St. Croix Hospice Center for their exceptional care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for a memorial donation to St. Louis Catholic Church or the R.O.S.E. Center in Paynesville.
Guestbook
Dear Torborg Family, so sorry to hear of your Moms passing, she was a wonderful woman (definitely one of the favorite aunties) Ill always remember her smile and laugh she sure could liven up a room when she was there. May she Rest in Peace, and may you all find peace and cherish all the memories.
I always loved to go to Auntie Mary Helen’s house! Visitors could anticipate laughter, jokes and teasing once inside the door, kind of like Disney World where everybody can’t help but smile. She and Norbert passed on a beautiful legacy to their children, grandchildren and even other relatives and friends.
I felt so welcome in their home; Mary Helen was the heart and soul of that family. I’m so thankful for the summer lunches that cousins Carrie, Maxine and I were fortunate to share with her for about the last 10 years. The best part of those days was sitting with Mary Helen on her front porch and sharing news and memories, just like she’s doing now with her mom and dad, her kids, brothers and sisters, my mom, oh so many! I love you, Mary Helen, forever! God bless you! Until we meet again!
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing – I first got to know the Torborg family when Carol was my Hill-Case dorm roommate at St Cloud State in the mid-1970s. A few years later, we got to spend more time with the Torborg family when my husband John and I were editors of the Paynesville Press in the early 1980s. A loving family — you are in our thoughts. John & Mary Mikes
My mother, Ruth Welsch Weyandt and her sister Margie Welsch Schreier grew up with your mom on Rice Street. Margie went to St. Bernard’s grade school with your mom. The three maintained the friendship for many years and most likely the couples visited. I just talked to mom, age 94, and she fondly remembered you mother.
Seeing Mary Helen’s picture with her beautiful smile warms our hearts. She was a remarkable woman. It was such a joy to celebrate her 90th Birthday with her and all of you just last year – Her pride and love for her family filled the room. We will be celebrating her life with you tomorrow by You Tube…we appreciate the opportunity. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you. Rest in Peace Mary Helen.
Dear Jeanne and family,
I was so sad to hear of your Mom’s passing. she was a very special lady! Heaven earned a new angel on Monday! Sending love and prayers to all of you who loved her. sue
I have nothing but fond memories of Auntie Mary Helen and the cousins from Paynesville. My mother loved you and kept track of your comings and goings. She was there to welcome Auntie Mary Helen along with all who loved and missed her. I wish the family peace in knowing this.
Dear Jeanne,
May the wonderful memories of your loving Mother bring you comfort in this difficult time.
Thinking of you and your beautiful family.
“Mrs. T” was my name for her…what a positive, happy lady! She always made it a joy to see her and visit with her! God Bless her memory!!
Even in my seventies, I still called her Auntie Mary Helen. She was my Godmother and I was flower girl at her wedding. She was very special to me. She suffered greatly, having lost a husband and three children, and yet she was always so loving, always making the effort to attend family events, even though it meant a long drive for her. She has always been and will continue to be a great inspiration to me. Heartfelt sympathies to Roger, Jeanne, Mark, Jim, Dan and Jill.
I have many great memories of events in Paynesville – especially setting up those tables to play cards. My Auntie was the perfect hostess and always made us feel special. May she rest in the arms of God for all eternity.
Services
Schedule Details
Due to Covid, a private family-only Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 31st at St. Louis Catholic Church in Paynesville. The service will be live streamed. Please join us via You Tube. https://youtu.be/EqFRkePepxE