Arthur Torness, age 99, of Sisseton, South Dakota, died Sunday morning, June 2, 2013, after a short illness. He was at Tekakwitha Care Center, Sisseton, with his family by his side.
Arthur Leonard Torness was born on January 9, 1914, in Sisseton, South Dakota to Ole and Anna (Stavig) Torness. Art graduated from Sisseton High School in 1932. During high school and after graduation, he worked at Stavig's Store in Sisseton. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Art enlisted in the Army Air Force. He attended radio and gunnery schools and departed for England. Art became a waist-gunner on an Air Force B-24 and completed 30 missions over Germany and
also over Normandy on D-Day. He earned two Bronze Stars, the Air Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He returned home on June 21, 1945. On June 9, 1946, Arthur married Clara Louise Bergerson of Sisseton. In September of 1946 Art and his brother-in-law, Clifford Prior, started the A & C Variety Store. They had a successful business that they operated for 30 years in Sisseton. Art served as Treasurer of the Sisseton School District for 12 years. He served ten years each on the Sisseton City Council and the Sisseton Library Board. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Booster Club, VFW, and American Legion. Art was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, serving 16 years as an eighth grade Sunday school teacher. In 1988 Art was awarded the Sisseton High School Alumnus of the Year Award.
Art enjoyed life at his lake cabin on Clear Lake, bowling, golf and watching high school sports. Art retired at age 62 and continued to enjoy an active life during his 37 years of retirement. Art and Clara enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. They took several trips overseas and road trips throughout the US, Canada and Mexico. Art traveled to all 50 states. Art continued to volunteer in the community in retirement, including nine years as treasurer of Sisseton Senior Citizens Center.
In October 2009 Art went to Washington DC on a World War II Honor Flight from Aberdeen, South Dakota. In 2011 Art played the part of his grandfather in "The Stavig Letters," a documentary produced by South Dakota Public Broadcasting about his Norwegian immigrant grandfather, Lars Stavig. In 2012 he celebrated his 80th Class Reunion from Sisseton High School.
Art was dedicated to his family, community, and country. His positive attitude and encouragement will be missed by all who knew him. The family is so appreciative of the services he received from Edgewood Assisted Living for nearly 10 years and the last week of his life at Tekakwitha Care Center.
Art is survived by his three children, Judy (Don) Johnson of Alexandria, Minnesota; Patricia (Clayton) Torness-Smith of Centennial, Colorado; and Mark (Lita)Torness of Sisseton; seven grandchildren, Amy (Chuck) Anderson of Elk River, Minnesota; Aaron (Stacey) Johnson of Manassas, Virginia; Emilee and Brent Smith of Denver, Colorado; Natalie Smith of Madison, Wisconsin; Heidi Torness of Clear Lake, Iowa; and Eric (DeeDee) Torness of Schweinfurt, Germany; five great grandchildren, sister Linnie Pope and husband Jim of Minneapolis and sister-in-law Mary Torness of Sisseton.
Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Clara in 2003, stepmother Clara; two brothers, Oscar and Harold Torness, six sisters; Mathilda Torness, Clara Vellenga, Laura Glosimodt, Myrtle Taylor, Agnes Prior, Alice Jahr, and an infant granddaughter; Julie Anne Smith.
Memorials may be given to Grace Lutheran Church, Stavig House Museum, Thollehaug Commons or a charity of choice. Cards can be sent to the family at PO Box 215, Sisseton, SD 57262.