Clarice Berdine Torgrimson

Clarice Torgrimson, 89, of Evansville passed away Monday, March 25, 2024, at Alomere Health, Alexandria, Minnesota.

Clarice was born at her home north of Brandon, Minnesota, to Percy and Tina (Peterson) Van Sickle on October 19, 1934. Her father died when she was only 3 years old. Her mother, Tina, was left with three small daughters – Clarice, Pauline, and Ruth. A stepbrother, Marion, helped the family on the small dairy farm. In 1945 the family moved into Evansville. Clarice was graduated in 1952 from Evansville High School. Following graduation, Clarice was employed in Minneapolis for two years. On July 3, 1954, Clarice married Dallas Torgrimson. They were both employed in Alexandria until Dallas was drafted into the Army in 1955.  

Clarice stayed at her job in Alexandria while Dallas was in Basic Training and then stationed in Junction City Kansas. In September 1956, Dallas was stationed at Baumholder Army Base in Germany.  Clarice joined him there in November.  Many special memories were made. In August 1957, Dallas was discharged, and the couple traveled back to Evansville, Minnesota, USA.

Clarice and Dallas rented a farm close to Dallas’ parents, Harry and Gerda.  Dallas began farming due to the failing health of his Dad.  His Dad passed away in June 1959.

In February 1959, our “Valentine” Valerie Kay was born.  Wesley Dallas was born in 1961.

When Dallas’ Father passed away, we moved to the home farm.  Dallas needed Clarice’s help on the farm.  She spent most of her days working shoulder to shoulder with her Husband milking cows, driving tractor and picking rock. The widowed Mothers, Tina and Gerda, lived in Evansville and were a tremendous help with the children.   What a blessing!

Clarice and Dallas attended and were active in Calvary Covenant Church in Evansville.  

Although busy with farming, the couple was able to travel occasionally.   Alaska, Southwest US, and Texas were some of the trips they enjoyed.   A highlight of their travels was a trip to Germany in 1989.  While there, they were able to visit their landlords, Anton and Cilli Natter, and their daughter Marianne from the Army days. In 1993, they had the joy of hosting this German couple on their dairy farm. Precious memories!

In the late 1990s Wes took over the farming and Clarice and Dallas transitioned into retirement.  In 2002 they moved into their retirement home.   Dallas enjoyed helping Wes.   Clarice was happy to have a good garden, nice yard to mow, apple trees, and flowers to tend.  God was good!!

Clarice was preceded in death by both her parents, her husband Dallas, her sisters Pauline Sorvik, and Ruth Carpenter.  Also preceded by half-sisters and half-brothers, Clara Lund, Jennie Morical, William Van Sickle, Fred Van Sickle, and Marion Van Sickle along with other relatives.

She is survived by daughter, Valerie (Torgrimson) and Mike Hanson and son, Wesley and Jean (Massmann) Torgrimson.  Grandchildren Melissa (Chad) Swayze, Sharon (Joe) Nyquist, Brittany (Korey) Anderson, Kendra (Dillon) Riemann. Step-grandchildren Craig (Kodi) Schroeder, and Kimberly (Michael) Medeck.  Great Grandchildren Kayla, Micah, and Benjamin Swayze, Hazel and August Nyquist, and Hannah and Clara Anderson, Great Step-grandchildren Carter and Sophie Herman, Gracie Geris-Schroeder, and Emily, Kaylee, and Faith Medeck.

Memorial Service: 11 AM Saturday, April 20 at Calvary Covenant Church, Evansville with visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the church.

Interment: Mound Grove Cemetery, Evansville

Glende-Nilson Funeral Home, Evansville