Obituaries

March 11, 1938 to September 20, 2024

WINAMAC - Martin “Torg” Torgerson, 86, passed away Friday morning, Sept. 20, at home surrounded by family, in Banner Elk, NC.

He was born March 11, 1938 in Winamac, to William and Lucile (Long) Torgerson. He graduated in 1956 from Winamac High School. He continued his education at Indiana State University where he earned bachelor’s and masters’ degrees in English. He married Carol Sue Russell on May 29, 1965 at the First Christian Church in Logansport. They were blessed with 59 years of marriage. She survives.

Martin Torgerson

Also surviving are his daughter Anne Torgerson of Los Angeles, son William and wife Megan of Banner Elk, NC, and sister Katherine Fritz of Clearwater, FL, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death were his parents, brothers Tom, David, Andrew, Jason, and his sister Nancy Matthews. 

Mr. Torgerson was a retired teacher, having taught literature, grammar, speech, journalism, and writing throughout Loganland. He also was a varsity basketball coach and athletic director at Caston. He coached girls and boys basketball at many levels, girls’ golf, and also baseball. After retirement from teaching at Winamac Community High School, he taught writing at Indiana University Kokomo. For recreation, he loved to play golf and hunt for morel mushrooms. He enjoyed spending time with his family. Known as “Paw Paw” to his granddaughters, he especially liked to watch them play basketball. 

Mr. Torgerson navigated Parkinson’s disease for several decades and credited his own positive outlook the result of his faith, the loving care of his family, and the inspiring work of the actor Michael J. Fox who also has Parkinson’s.

Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Click here to link to the foundation website to donate. eCards from the foundation may be sent to his wife at her email address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Physical cards may be sent to 165 Leighway LN, Banner Elk, NC 28604. 

As per his request, Mr. Torgerson will be cremated and buried at Winamac Cemetery (McKinley Addition) in Winamac, during a private ceremony.  

Local arrangements were entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.