Colin Kirk Torgenrud
POLSON - Colin (Papa) Kirk Torgenrud, 55, of Polson, went to meet his Heavenly Father Jan. 20, 2015. Papa was born July 4, 1959 to Donald and Celia Torgenrud in Great Falls, Montana.
He moved to Polson on the east shore of Flathead Lake at the age of 3, where he grew up working the orchard. He graduated from Polson High School in 1978. He then tried his hand as a cowboy for a couple years before he found his calling as a wood craftsman. Papa married Faith Morken in 1980 and in 1983 his first son was born. Two years later, with another son on the way, he moved the family to southern California and went to work for a large construction firm in order to provide for his growing family. His third son was born in 1989. Then in 1992 he moved back to Montana to call it his permanent home. In 1996 Austin (his fourth son) was adopted. Then he went into teaching math and science at Mission Valley Christian Academy where he touched a number of young lives, including his adopted daughter Shelly.
After that his life revolved around the joy of watching his kids and grandkids. He went through life enjoying most anything to do with the outdoors: hunting, fishing, golfing, waterskiing, and just being out in the woods.
He was a great son, brother, father, grandfather and most importantly, friend.
He is preceded in death by his father Donald Torgenrud, his mother Celia Torgenrud, his brother Donald Torgenrud and his daughter Shelly McLeod.
Survivors include his sons Brandon (Nikki), Ryan (Kristine), Aaron (Sara) and Austin (Chrissy); 11 grandchildren, Tyler, Kyra, Mckenna, Shayla, Kaden, Khloe, Shelly, Isabella, Kirk, Zaxston, and Zaiden, as well as brothers Kevin (Marty), Leif (Laurie) and sisters Penny, and Sherry (Bob).
Graveside services for Colin were held Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 at 2 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory. (Formerly Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory.)
