Melvin Torgerson
Melvin Harry “Mel” Torgerson, 91, of Beulah, N.D., formerly of Bainville and Sidney, died May 21, 2021. He was residing at the Knife River Care Center in Beulah at the time of his death.
He was born on March 3, 1930, in Williston, N.D., the son of Sophie and Harry Torgerson. He grew up in Bainville, but did some traveling with his dad’s construction company, attending his freshman year of high school in Oklahoma. He graduated from Bainville High School in 1948.
He met Margaret Halvorson and they were wed on Nov. 10, 1949. Their union was blessed with five children. They made their life in Bainville with Melvin managing the grain elevator and Margaret keeping things running smoothly at home. He, along with a group of investors, eventually purchased the elevator and he continued to run it until he retired.
With an almost empty nest, they purchased the Tastee Freeze in Culbertson and renamed it M& M’s Place. They built and ran this business, a business known for their smiling faces, hometown feel, exceptional service and locally famous broasted chicken until they retired in 2004 and moved to Sidney. This is where they made their home until Margaret’s death in 2006. He continued to reside in Sidney until he moved to Beulah, N.D., in 2014.
Family, faith, friends, sports, puzzles and cards were a few of the things that fulfilled his life. Whether it was playing football in his younger years with his cardboard and leather helmet, reffing basketball, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events or watching his beloved Vikings on TV, sports were one of his favorite ways to spend his time.
Anyone that knew him knew he loved to do puzzles. He was proud to have a gallery showing at the museum and an article in the newspaper showcasing the talent of “The Puzzler” in 2008. Pinochle and cribbage have been pastimes his whole life.
However, it wasn’t always about competition with him, some of the best memories of playing cards with him were the witty comments and colorful stories mixed into the card game. If he wasn’t at home, you could find him playing cards at the senior center or socializing with coffee and donuts.
The family values that Margaret and Melvin instilled on their children and grandchildren is unmatched. Torgerson family get-togethers are always a loud, happy crowd. Faith was his foundation. He was a very active Catholic in every community he lived: Bainville, Sidney and Beulah.
He is survived by his children, Billie Lou Giese, Howard Torgerson, Brent Torgerson, Brian Torgerson and Doug Torgerson; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Mass of the Christian Burial is Friday, June 4, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Bainville with Fr. Anietie “Akama” Ukanide presiding. Interment will be in the Bainville Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour before services at the church. Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 3, at the funeral home.
