Joanne Isabel Torkelson

Joanne Isabel Torkelson, age 88, went home to heaven on August 20, 2025, at Upon a Rock Assisted Living Residence in Scottsdale, AZ. Joanne was a long-time resident of Prior Lake, MN before retiring to Mesa, AZ. A Graveside Service will be held for Joanne on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery on Fish Lake (20200 Fairlawn Ave) beginning at 12:30pm. Reverend Dr. Brent Parrish will be presiding.

Joanne was born on September 7, 1936, in Langdon, ND and grew up in a log cabin built by her father near Nekoma, ND. She was the third child of seven and the eldest daughter. She attended schools in Gilby, ND, St. Hilaire, MN and graduated from Thief River Falls High School in 1954. She also enjoyed taking classes at Normandale Community College in the 1970s.

Joanne married Myron Clayton Torkelson at the Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks, ND on May 12, 1956. They honeymooned at Yellowstone National Park. Joanne and Mike moved to the Twin Cities and raised their oldest children in Crystal. Joanne worked as an Executive Secretary at National Connectors for many years. In 1971, Joanne and Mike built their home in Prior Lake and joined Fish Lake Immanuel Lutheran Church. Joanne worked at Prior Lake State Bank until her retirement in 1995.

Jo enjoyed baking, reading, gardening, summers at the lake, and traveling. An ever-present hostess, she opened her home to their many relatives and friends. The coffee was hot and there was always something great to eat. Jo had a zest for adventure including exploring the United States in the family truck/camper in the 1960s, back to school shopping trips with the grandchildren, capturing home videos, dabbling in family business endeavors, and taking the family on a Caribbean cruise. She travelled to Bermuda, China, Ireland and Africa with family members. Joanne’s sense of humor was a joy to others, and she never let you forget that “she was the toughest kid in St. Hilaire.”

Joanne had a full family life and is survived by children; Suzanne (John) Busacker of Eureka, MO, Mark Torkelson of Park River, ND, Thomas (Julie) Torkelson of Prior Lake and Elizabeth (Scott) Sandell of Scottsdale AZ; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; sisters Pat Synan of New Brighton, Penny Aadland of Prior Lake, and brother Jack Sylvester of Mankato; and many loving relatives and friends.

Joanne will be greeted in heaven by her loving husband, Myron Torkelson; grandson, Jeffrey Torkelson; niece, Amy Aadland; nephew, David Huber; parents, Jack and Bertha Sylvester; siblings Bob/Helen Sylvester, Bill/Lucy Sylvester, and Judith Kieffer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and can be sent to the funeral home at 4565 Pleasant Street SE in Prior Lake.