Allen T. Torpet, 88, Fertile, MN, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at his residence in Fertile, surrounded by family.
Allen was born in 1934 in Garfield Township in the house where his father was born. Allen attended eight years of country school a mile from his house, graduated from Fertile High School, and spent one year at Wahpeton State School of Science. His dad died when he was 21 and Allen moved home to farm and milk cows.
On a hunting trip to Saskatchewan, Allen met his wife, Elaine, and they were married in 1961. He began working for ASCS and worked as a carpenter with his Uncle Edward and best friend, Dickie. Allen started as a substitute mail carrier and became a regular carrier, delivering mail for 27 years. Allen had been retired for 28 years – he said it was “the best job he ever had!” After retirement, Allen moved off the farm, dispersing his herd of Red Polled cattle with a bloodline of over 100 years, which he had maintained from his grandfather’s herd.
Allen always had a passion for hunting and fishing and was an avid outdoorsman, often accompanied by one of his black labs. He started fishing in Little Andrew when he was eight years old and spent 30 years fishing at Buffalo Bay, Manitoba, although spearfishing for whitefish was always his favorite. Allen had 70 years of whitetail hunting in Minnesota and also hunted and fished in many other states and provinces. Among the highlights were salmon and halibut fishing and caribou hunting in Alaska with his cousin and an elk hunt and salmon fishing in Montana with his uncle. Allen was involved with the Fertile Rifle Club/Conservation Club and was so pleased to see them have a permanent home for the trap and rifle range so others can enjoy these great sports.
Allen was a lifetime member of Concordia Church and was dedicated to serving his community. He held a number of offices and worked on many projects including Polk County DFL Chairman, County Committeeman for East Polk County, President of Polk County Farmer’s Union, and served 42 years on the Garfield Township Board.
One of the highlights of Allen’s life was having his family with him to visit his family in Norway. He was grateful to meet his great-grandson and liked telling people Easton was the seventh generation of the Torpet family in this country.
Allen and Elaine belonged to square dancing clubs and enjoyed the music and always treasured the friends they made while dancing. Allen appreciated a good glass of scotch, enjoyed playing cribbage and whist with friends, and looked forward to his nightly game of gin rummy with Elaine.
Allen loved his family well and was proud of his two kids and grandkids, spending many winters in Reno. Allen had many good friends through the years, and was known for his storytelling, sense of humor, and quick wit.
Allen had a life well lived.
Allen was preceded in death by his parents, Sophus and Nellie (Berg) Torpet. He is survived by his wife of nearly 61 years, Elaine; son, Todd; daughter, Terry (David) Vasenden; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Al) Mackay who was raised in the Torpet home; grandchildren, Bjorn (Janelle) Vasenden and Sophia (Brendan) Cargill; great-grandson, Easton Cargill; sister-in-law, Darlene Brown; niece, Jackie Murray; and nephews, Stuart (Jane) Brown, Travis (Katelyn) Mackay, and Tyler (Shannon) Mackay.
Memorial Service: 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 5, 2022, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fertile, MN.
Visitation: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, November 4, 2022, at Concordia Lutheran Church with a prayer service to begin at 6:30 PM, and also one hour before the memorial service at the church.
Inurnment: Concordia South Cemetery, Fertile, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home
Fertile, Minnesota
