Robert E. Torgrimson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, longtime Miles City resident passed away in Billings on September 30. He was 91. His immediate family was with him. Bob had just enjoyed the trip of his lifetime to Washington DC last weekend (September 23-24) on the Big Sky Honor Flight for WWII veterans to see the WWII Memorial and other memorials. His oldest grandson, Todd Wilson, was his escort. Daughter Karen and son-in-law, Bo, joined them in DC. Bob said “I was just a soldier, but they tell me I’m a Hero”. He kept saying “I am so glad I came”. His family is too.
Bob was born May 5, 1921 in Dooley, Montana. He attended schools in Dooley, Fort Peck, and graduated from Noxon H. S. in 1939. He spent three years in the Civilian Conservation Corp after high school. He served in the U.S. Air Force in the China-Berma-India Theater from 1942-1946. March 20, 1943 he married Lela Baldwin of Ismay. They were married 66 years. Lela passed away in 2009. They had 4 children: Karen, Linda, Richard “Ricky” who passed away in 1955, and Nancy. Bob worked for Foster Drug Company, Western Pharmacy, Coast to Coast, and Steadman’s Ace Hardware. He was a longtime active member (50+ years) of the First Presbyterian Church. He served in many capacities and was an ordained elder. Bob was recognized by the Bloodmobile for the “gallons” of blood he donated over the years. He was often called in the middle of the night to donate his rare O negative blood.
Bob was active in the Presbyterian Church Boy Scout Program, Elks, Eagles, Kiwanis Club, and Civil Defense. He and Lela volunteered at Holy Rosary Healthcare and the Art Center. Bob was a proud member of the Miles City COPS and was the last surviving member of the infamous Miles City “Wild Bunch”.
Bob and Lela moved to Billings Highgate Senior Living in 2009 following Bob’s heart valve surgery. Lela passed away in April 2009. Bob enjoyed his “condo” at Highgate and loved the caring staff and all the activities which helped to keep him busy and young. He was always very social and never met a stranger, just a person he hadn’t visited with yet.
Bob was preceded in death by his 4 year old son Ricky, parents Adolph and Mabel Torgrimson, a brother, Dean, his wife of 66 years, Lela and great granddaughter Shannon Wilson. He is survived by two brothers, Darrel Torgrimson (Penny) of Thompson Falls, Kenneth Torgrimson (Rosie) of St. Ignatius, sister, Phyllis Tanner of Wheatfield, IN, daughters Karen (Bo) Severson, Linda (Glenn) Fink both of Billings and Nancy (Loren) Gerch of Longmont, CO; grandchildren: Todd (Laurie) Wilson, Chad (Ann) Wilson and their father Bruce (Patty) Wilson, Corrin (Greg) Lipinski and Corrin’s father Ron Printz; Brittaney Blue and David Gerch; step grandchildren, Scott Fink, Annette (Ken) Kunda, Chad Fink and Dana Fink; great grandchildren, Sean, Jordan and Ethan Wilson; Joe, Christian, Grace, and Michael Wilson, Madison and Makenzie Probert; Owen and Gavin Lipinski; sister-in-law Sally (Bill) O’Neal of Odessa, TX; brothers-in-law John (Therese) Baldwin of Ismay, Bill Mitchell of Miles City, George Ciampa of Torrance, CA; numerous nieces, nephews, and step great grandchildren, nieces, nephews. Bob will be missed also by his special family at Highgate Senior Living.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will be held at a later date. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City, or the Big Sky Honor Flight Program, P.O. Box 80201, Billings, MT 59108.
Melody Cusson Hurst says
Linda and family – I am so sorry for your loss. So happy he was able to go on the wonderful trip to Washington and now on another wonderful one to heaven – where he and your mom are together again and watching over all of you.
My love, prayers and hugs are with you – Melody
If there is anything I can do please let me know.
Sheryl McElravy says
Just saw the newsclip on TV that your Dad was on the Honor Flight last week and passed away. So sorry to hear the sad news. My Dad and I were also on the Honor Flight last week and we sat at the table with your family for breakfast at the hotel. We enjoyed your teasing him about eating the bacon. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. So glad that he was able to make the trip and you were able to share that special memory with him. God bless.
April Thompson says
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a great volunteer at Holy Rosary. So glad he’s reunited with Lela.
Patrick Downs (@PatDownsPhotos) says
My condolences on Bob’s passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him and photographing him and family members on the recent Big Sky Honor Flight. It was a privilege to do so, and I am so glad he was able to do the flight, and especially that family was able to share it with him. RIP and thank you for your service, Bob. ~Pat Downs
Lyle Muessig says
I too was with Bob on the honor flight. Not only a hero but a member of our greatest generation. I am so glad that he knew he was thought of as a hero and had the chance to be recognized. My thoughts are with your family.
Beth Riggs says
We lived across the street from Bob for many years. He was great with my young children and he had a magic handshake, which always had some candy for them. They always loved to find him in the Coast to Coast Store or the hospital. God bless.
Kristin Lee - Tait says
I bought Bob’s house in 2009. It was transition time for my kids and I after my divorce. We loved the house and our neighborhood. I sold it in 2011 after I got engaged. Bob sent us cards over those 2 years at various holidays. He was a very special man, and I’m glad we got to know him as we moved into the house. Thank you to Bob’s daughters for leaving special childhood items in the house for my kids. They still dress up in the Uncle Sam costume! God Bless!
Ginger May Omland says
Linda, Karen, Nancy and All of Bob’s Family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a pillar of the community and always had a great attitude and friendly smile. What a great last chapter in his life as to
participate in the Big Sky Honor Flight! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Teresa Geib Klein Bacon says
Linda and family, I am so sorry for your sadness. My prayers are with you all. What a wonderful blessing he could go on the trip! God Bless you all, Teresa
Peggy Christensen says
To the entire family – our thoughts and prayers are with you!!! I met Bob on the Honor Flight and was priviledged to be there as my dad’s escort. I am thrilled he was able to experience this trip and now his journey continues! May his memory live on!
Mark Browning, CC Art Center says
Our sympathies to all the family members. Not only was Bob a loyal volunteer at our Art Center, he was a friend and familiar face to the Miles City community with his many contributions to it. I see that he left wearing a big smile in his heart with all the attention he received lately.
Theresa Baldry says
To all of Bob’s dear family,
So sorry for your loss. I was glad to “Grandpa Bob” was able to go on the honor flight. He was the first one I thought of when I heard of the opportunity. Bob and Lela were a treasure to our family for the many years we were blessed to have them just across the street. Bob was always there for our family and a joy to see daily. We will miss him with you. Isaac “pain in the neck” will always remember helping Grandpa cut the grass, work in the garden, and sitting just to wave at people. Probably where his love for these things comes from. You and Bob are in out thoughts and prayers.
Ellie Nicholaon says
I want to send the family my deepest sympathys. A dear and specal friend. He wwilllbe missed There is so much more I could say, I have known Bob for so many years.Hi was a very specal man.
Peace Ellie
Robin Wolff says
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Bob’s family. My parents moved into Highgate in 2009 and shortly thereafter Bob and Lela moved in next door to them. Bob was always very kind to them, occasionally helping my Dad who had Alzheimer’s find his way back to his apartment He always had a friendly greeting for them and for me when I was there visiting. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Kristi Randall Celander says
To all of Bob and Lela’s Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bob and Lela were wonderful people. I was their volunteer coordinator at Holy Rosary Healthcare for only a short time but they touched my heart just as they did many people. May the memories and stories of them comfort you at this time.