Obituary of Frances Viola Torstenson

Frances Viola Torstenson (Anderson) died peacefully on May 15, 2020 at the age of 106. She was born July 11, 1913 in Appleton, MN. After graduation, she moved to Mpls to study at the Fairview School of Nursing, graduating in 1937. She married Joel Torstenson in 1939, her beloved life partner of 68 years.

In addition to her work as a nurse and homemaker, Frances lived a life of service, volunteering at Augsburg, at her church, at Augustana Apartments, at the Augustana Thrift Shop, for the DFL, and wherever she found a need. She helped organize the Trinity Quilters in the 1960's and up until recently was still cutting quilt squares for the group. Her energy and work ethic were legendary. She loved Scrabble, playing Rook, the Twins, a good dessert, and gardening.

She will be remembered most for her hugs, the warmth of her smile, and her natural ability to reach out with love and caring to all. She attributed her long life to always staying positive, to good genes, and for being thankful every day for the wonderful people in her life.

Frances is survived by daughters Carol McCausland (Allan), Ruth Ann Torstenson LeMasters (Gary), Linnea Torstenson, and Janice Marie Garry (Stuart); grandchildren Susan McCausland, Greg McCausland (Jess), Frank Ott, Joel Ott (Eleanor), Jeremy Dobson (Jeanne), Josephine Mann (Joel), Eli Beach, Heather Schwartz, Alicia Granse, and James Granse; 8 great grandchildren; sisters Barbara Andreasen and Margaret Gronholz; sister-in-law Ruth Anderson; and many other loving relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joel; her parents, Gunder and Ina Anderson; her siblings, Evelyn Larson (Vern), Ionne O’Connors (Ralph), Philip Anderson, Charles Anderson (Lillian) and Douglas Anderson (Lois); brother-in-laws Roger Gronholz and Bill Andreasen.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Augustana Care Suites, Hennepin Healthcare Hospice, and the Gardens at Episcopal Homes for their wonderful care. 

Celebration of life Saturday, June 18th, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Foss Center at Augsburg University, 625 - 22nd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55454. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Joel and Frances Torstenson Scholarship at Augsburg University (https://www.augsburg.edu/), Trinity Lutheran Congregation (http://www.trinitylutherancongregation.org/), the Episcopal Homes (https://episcopalhomes.org/), or to a charity of your choice.

A private internment will be held at a later date at Lac Qui Parle Lutheran Cemetery in Dawson, MN.