Nicholas Allen Torkelson, age 25 of Prior Lake passed away unexpectedly on Monday, July 16th.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 19, 2012 from 4—8 pm at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake, MN and also one hour prior the service at church on Friday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, July 20th at 3:00 pm at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savage, MN.
Nicholas’ Story
Born on June 7, 1987 in Minneapolis, Nick was the son of Michael Allen and Kathleen Mary (Larson) Torkelson. He was the youngest of three children. Nick’s childhood years were spent in Prior Lake.
As a young boy, his love for hunting and fishing began. Nick enjoyed many small game hunting trips with his father, brother, uncles and cousins. They also enjoyed bass fishing up north and muskie fishing on the Big Fork River. As a family, they enjoyed spending time at his grandparent’s cabin with his cousins, swimming and fishing, playing in the dirt box, and sitting on the swing watching the sun set. He loved the outdoors and spent many weekends boating, jet skiing, and grilling at lake independence. Nick spent many summers playing baseball for P. L.A.Y.
While Nick was in high school he enjoyed being part of the youth group at St. Johns. He also attended retreats and mission trips with the youth group. Nick was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone. He was a hard worker and would never complain.
He graduated from Prior Lake High School in 2005. About a year later Nick ventured to Fargo to live with his sister Michelle where he worked as a chef for Hooter’s Restaurant. After moving back to Prior Lake in 2007, Nick continued working as a chef for T.J. Hooligans Pub and Grub. Nick really enjoyed working with the staff at Hooligans, and enjoyed visiting with the patrons as well.
Nick collected match box cars, model cars and shot glasses. He also loved to play Texas Hold’em with his friends. Nick had a quiet and lovable personality that drew people to him; especially children. He had a unique ability to connect with children almost instantly. Family always meant a lot to him. He loved to spend time playing with his nephews and niece, who referred to him as Nicky Poo.
Nick was a kind, soft spoken young man. Words cannot describe what a gentle man he was.
A resident of Prior Lake, Nick was 25 years old when he unexpectedly passed away on Monday, July 16, 2012.
Forever loved, Nick will be deeply missed by his mother, Kathy Torkelson (Henry DeMorett) of Prior Lake; father, Michael Torkelson of Rosemount; brother, Chris Torkelson of Lakeville; sister, Michelle Torkelson (Ryan Plath) of Prior Lake; grandparents, Dick and Elizabeth Larson of South Minneapolis, Sandra Torkelson of Montgomery; niece and nephews, Adrianna and Evan Torkelson and their mother Katie; Chandler and Ethan Dennis and their parents, Craig and Pam; many other loving relatives and friends.
Nick is preceded in death by his grandfather, Donnie Torkelson.
Pallbearers for Nick will be Matt Larson, Andrew Larson, Ryan Torkelson, Jordan Merrick, Tony Grunow and Jason Stalwick.
