Jon Roger Torkelson

Jon was born Jon Roger Torkelson on January 3rd, 1936 to John and Ruth Torkelson, the coldest day on record to date according to Jon. He died December 17th, 2013 weeks from his 78th birthday. He graduated from Edmore Public high school in 1954 and went to work on the family farm. He met and married Beverly Jane Olson in November 1960. Their first son, Jay was born in 1961. Their second son, Jan was born a short 11 months later in 1962. Their daughter Janelle was born 2 years later in 1964 on Beverly’s 21st birthday. Two years later Jon moved his family to California after a farming accident. Once in California he went to work for his brothers, Dean and Dale in the non-destructive testing field. Jon never lost his love for the country and animals. In the 70s he moved his family to Norco California and he had a mini ranch with horses, cows, pigs and many other smaller animals. The drive into South Gate everyday took its toll on him so he moved his family back into town closer to work. After 18 years of marriage Jon and Beverly divorced. Jon got interested in the horse racing business with his brothers and their business partner. He really loved racing, breeding and working with the race horses. He would go to Winchester every weekend to be at the ranch. Years later he married Darlene Clark who after 5 years died suddenly from a heart attack. Jon re-united with a high school friend, Marlys Erlandson and they married shortly after. All the while continuing his love for race horses. Jon and Marlys moved to Winchester and lived on the brother’s horse ranch for a while. After the brother’s ranch was sold, Jon and Maryls bought their own place in Winchester a 7 acre ranch of his own. After 11 years of marriage Marlys died from a stroke. He then re-united with another high school friend, Gloria Anderson. He moved in with Gloria in Sun City and lived there until he could no longer handle the dry air and wind and he moved back into town close to his daughter and her family. Jon had developed COPD and as his breathing worsened it was decided it would be better to live at his daughter’s home where he would not be alone. He lived with his daughter’s family in Long Beach for about 4 years and just stopped driving himself around in August 2013. Until 2013, even though Jon sold off all his horses and no longer had a ranch, he would still attend the Los Alamitos race horse sale every year almost buying a mare in foal last year.

Jon was preceded in death by wives Beverly, Darlene and Marlys, his parents, infant brother John, older sister Dorothy and brother Dean.

Jon is survived and will be greatly missed by: Son: Jay Torkelson and grandson: Ian Torkelson, son: Jan Torkelson and his wife Karla Torkelson, daughter: Janelle Kidman and grandsons: Brandon Kidman and Zachary Kidman, brother: Dale Torkelson and wife Fabiola, brother: Lowell Torkelson and wife Elory, brother: Leonard Torkelson and wife Barbara, sister: Dr. Twila Maxson and husband Dr. Stuart Hoffman, sister: Ava Everhardt and husband Don Everhardt