James Torpen
James Sanford Torpen, 91, of Eau Claire passed away of a sudden heart attack on July 11th 2018 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law.
He was born November 26, 1926 in the home of his parents, Jordan and Thora (Evenson) Torpen, in the town of Hale in Trempealeau county Wisconsin.
He served in the Army Air Force in Guam and Saipan. He married Viola Marie Nelson on February 4th, 1950 and they moved to Beloit, WI. He worked at Fairbanks in Beloit and later moved back to Eau Claire where he and his wife ran a DX gas station. He later worked at Keller Tool Machine shop until it closed. He then went to work for Loomis Armored Truck Service as a manager for 25 years. After returning, he and his wife traveled around the USA in their motorhome. His most memorable trip was to Alaska, where they spent two months making new friends and sightseeing. James also worked at FS gas station on Hwy 93 in Eau Claire. He hauled diesel fuel for heavy machinery when I-94 was being put in, he then laid railroad tracks for one summer, while holding three jobs for a number of years. He cherished his time with his family; his quick smile and sense of humor was always ready to brighten our days. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards (especially cribbage); dancing to old time music, telling stories, reading, daily journaling and visiting with friends. He will be greatly missed.
James is survived by two daughters; Ruby (Royce Nelson) Arneson-Nelson, Patsy (Chris) Phillips and a son, Steven Torpen; Eight Grandchildren: Allen (Megan) Arneson, Aaron Arneson, Amanda Pugmire (Todd Elfers), Jason (Kim) Phillips, Amber Torpen, Joseph (Erica) Phillips, Alissa (Cole) Cegler, Jessica (Cole) Planert and thirteen great-grandchildren: Colin Arneson, Courtney Arneson, Ryne Pugmire, Savana Pugmire, Alayna Pope, Quinn Cegler, Adler Phillips, Jenna Arneson, Wyatt Arneson, Finley Phillips, Harper Phillips, Kenzie Planert, Alyse Phillips; Two sisters, Beatrice Larson of Osseo, WI and Clarice Gran of Pigeon Falls, WI. Two sister-in-laws and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. James was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Viola, May 10th, 2010. Grandson, Chad Michael Torpen, Brothers: Ivan Torpen, Raymond Torpen, Donald Torpen; Sisters: Lillian Kelly, Joyce Leer, Evenlyn Larson, Sonia Andrus and Seven brother-in-laws and one sister-in-law.
Funeral service will take place at 2:30 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 3715 London Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 with Pastor Aaron J. Hamilton officiating. Visitation will take place at the church on Thursday, July 19, 2018 from 12:30 pm until the time of service. Burial with military honors will take place in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Eau Claire immediately following the funeral service.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.
Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.
