Stanley Andrew Torkelson, 88, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully at his home Sept. 18, 2025. Stan was born Aug. 22, 1937, in Tomahawk, the son of Edward and Anna (Mattson) Torkelson.
He attended kindergarten at the Little White Schoolhouse and graduated from Tomahawk High School in 1955, then honorably served in the United States Coast Guard from 1955 to 1959, stationed in Ketchikan, Alaska, and San Diego, Calif.
He then attended Lincoln County Teacher’s College in Merrill, Wis., where he met his wife Karen Ann Waldburger. They were married on Aug. 13, 1966. He and Karen attended Grace Lutheran Church of Tomahawk, where Stan had been baptized and confirmed and was an active member over his lifetime, serving on numerous committees and Council.
Stan received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education from UW-Stevens Point in 1971, and taught several subjects over the years at Grant School in Wausau and the Tomahawk School District, from which he retired in 1993. He was also a talented professional gunsmith, running his own business for several years. After retirement, Stan worked on finishing a home on Lake Nokomis, spending time on the water, in his workshop carving gunstocks, in the garage fixing anything and everything, and sharing his encyclopedic knowledge with his grandson Jordy. It seemed there wasn’t a question about history, science, geography, engineering, or firearms that he couldn’t answer, or a single tool he didn’t own. He enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing in Canada, playing pool, and traveling the country with his friends the Cassells, especially visiting historical sites and war memorials.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Margaret (Dave) Lokken. He is survived by his wife Karen, sister Grace (Lowell “Penny”) Hines, daughter Keri (Brent) Kelley, and grandson Jordy Kelley.
Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025 at Grace Lutheran in Tomahawk, with a 3 p.m. memorial service, officiated by Pastor Julie Sinkula.
Online Condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com.
Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family.
