Naomi Torkelson

Naomi Torkelson, 87, of Thor, passed away December 15, 2016 at Tompkins Health Care Center in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Ullensvang Lutheran Church in Thor with the Rev. Darrell Landsverk officiating. Burial will be in East Ullensvang Cemetery, Thor. Visitation is from 3-5 p.m. Sunday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.
Naomi Torkelson, the daughter of Jacob and Amy (Warland) Torkelson, was born October 4, 1929 at Humboldt, Iowa. She received her education in Rutland and Humboldt, graduating from Humboldt High School in 1947. Following her education, Naomi worked at the Humboldt Creamery until leaving for the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis in the fall of 1947. She graduated from Lutheran Bible Institute Mission and Bible Course in May of 1952.
In September of 1952, she left for Santal Mission work in India and served under Santal Mission until May of 1972. Following Santal Mission’s merger with World Mission Prayer League, she continued with her mission work with them until June of 1992 when she retired from missionary service. In her retirement, Naomi made her home in Thor.
Naomi was a member of Ullensvang Lutheran Church at Thor where she served as the church treasurer for many years, and as chairman of the Ladies Aid. She was active in bible study and enjoyed visiting shut-in’s around Humboldt and Wright Counties. She was always willing to help when needed and loved sending Christmas cards and thank you notes.
Following her move to Friendship Haven, Naomi cherished the many friends she made there.
Naomi is survived by her siblings, Lois Christopher of Thor, Pearl Pedersen of Renwick, Arnold (Mildred) Torkelson of Gilmore City, Jean (Mel) Lehman of Eagle Grove, Esther (Keith) Presler of Sauk Center, MN, Ruby (Don) Thompson of Stevens Point, WI, Russell (Loralee) Torkelson of Hackensack, MN, David (Carol) Torkelson of Vincent, Steve (Paula) Torkelson of Fort Dodge, and Bruce (Mary) Torkelson of Gilmore City; and her many, many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Amy (Warland) Torkelson; stepfather, Erhart Dencklau; sister, Beverly Bowen and Nina Abrams; stepbrother, Charles Dencklau; and five nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Family of Naomi Torkelson and will be given to Santal Missions Radio Ministry, Maharo Girls Bible School in India, and the Northern Evangelical Lutheran Church in India Seminary.