Lowell Jerome Torkelson

Lowell Jerome Torkelson, known to many as "Tork", was born July 15, 1928 in Edmore, North Dakota, the third of nine children born to John and Ruth Torkelson, and went to be with the Lord on February 13, 2015. Lowell attended a country elementary school and was a 1945 graduate of Edmore High School. He attended Dakota Business College in Fargo, North Dakota and later studied American Law and Procedure through LaSalle Extension University. In 1948 Lowell married Barbara Twaddle with three children born of that union. In 1951 Lowell and family moved to Great Falls, Montana where he worked for Anaconda Wire and Cable company before being employed by Union Oil of California in 1955. His job took them to Seattle, Wash., then to Colorado and back to Seattle-where he retired in 1986. After moving back in retirement to Colorado, Lowell married Elree Creswell in Ouray. Elree and Lowell resided in Parachute, Colo., where Lowell wrote a column for the local weekly newspaper eventually becoming their Editor-in-Chief. He left the newspaper to become the Executive Director of the Garfield County Economic Development Group until 1990 when he and Elree moved to Walla Walla, Wash. to be nearer children and grandchildren. In 2008 after 17 years, they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas. Lowell was long interested in Politics and served as Delegate to several National Conventions. An avid golfer, Lowell enjoyed playing the game wherever he lived and traveled. He and Elree are members of Bella Vista Christian Church. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, John, older sister, Dorothy, brothers, Dean & Jon and granddaughter, Kelli. He is survived by children: Nicki Wharton of Pasco, Wash., Kitti Severns of Fort Smith, Ark.. Zachary Torkelson of Reardan, Wash., and Jason High of Maryland, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, two brothers, two sisters, and his loving wife, Elree, in Bella Vista. Services to be held 11 a.m., Monday, February 23, 2015 at Bella Vista Christian Church in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Memorial Donations may be made to Bella Vista Christian Church, Arkansas Children's Hospital or to a Charity of Choice. Arrangements are by the Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd., Bella Vista, Arkansas. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.