Thomas Herschel Torkelson, 89, of Redfield, SD, died April 21, 2007 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. His funeral will be Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Frankfort. Reverend Grace Rhodes will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Frankfort with full military rites. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with a Masonic service at 6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Herschel was born April 17, 1918 on a farm near Frankfort to Thomas Aksel and Clora Myrtle (Coldren) Torkelson. He graduated from Frankfort High School in 1936. Herschel married the love of his life, Edith Esther Seaman of Doland on June 29, 1939. Herschel served in the United States Navy in WWII from 1944 to 1946, serving in the Philippine Islands. Herschel and Edith lived in Dearborn, MI, Mitchell, SD, Redfield, SD, Willmar, MN and Doland before moving to Frankfort in 1949. Herschel built the home they lived in on the corner of Maple and Monroe.

In 1951, he established his own business called Torkelson Plumbing and Heating. He performed electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning jobs around the Doland, Frankfort and Redfield areas until he retired in 1985. Always active in his community, he served as Mayor of Frankfort for a term and was a member of the Frankfort Fire Department for forty-one years. Herschel and Edith were long time members of the Frankfort Methodist Church. He was highly active in both the Order of the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge. He held leadership positions in both organizations for over sixty years. He served as President of the Board of Trustees of the Building Committee for the establishment and building of the Eastern Star Home of South Dakota in Redfield where he resided during the last few months of his life.

Herschel enjoyed his many years of work in the plumbing and heating business in addition to his social relationship and friendship with his clients, neighbors and friends. He also loved to sing and his beautiful singing voice was in demand for many church and area events over the years.

Herschel is survived by his son Larry (Jane) Torkelson of Vermillion, SD; two grandchildren Jeff (Lisa) Torkelson of Ft Lauderdale, FL; and Tracy Ferguson of Vermillion, SD; and two great grandchildren: Taylor and Braeden Ferguson.

Herschel was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Edith in 2000 and three brothers.

Herschel and Edith's long association with their organizations and their many friends were an important part of his life's joys. Herschel was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle.