On February 15, 2012 Gladys Eleanor Torkelson passed away at the age of 97 years. She was predeceased by her husband James Everett Torkelson in 1980; by two brothers Arna Sofus who died at the age of 2 years in 1910 and Orvin Julius Balgard in 1965; by her parents Severin (Sam) and Hanna Balgard - Sam in 1967 and Hanna in 1986; by two sisters May Fladeland in 1986 and Lillian Lang in 2009; by brothers-in-law Arthur Fladeland and George Lang. Gladys is survived by her son Terry and Heather, grandson Travis and Linda with family Tanis. Gladys is survived by her son Russ and Sharon, grandson Toby and Jodi with family Grayson and Holden, granddaughter Tracey and Sabe Holzer with family Aiden, Zackary, Terran and Emma, granddaughter Tana Torkelson with family Merrick Baht. Gladys is survived by her son Kirk and Ila, grandson James and Kelly with family Colby, granddaughter Bonnie and Daryl Sieben with family Sam, Will, Ellie and Alex, grandson Paul and Sharla, grandson Martin and Alisha with family Jaxton. Gladys is survived by sisters-in-law Edith Reibetanz, Jeanette Marshall and Janet Thornton. Sam and Hanna emigrated from Norway to Wisconsin, and in 1910 came to Canada. Gladys was born on January 29, 1915 at Blooming. At the Blooming school she was taught by English teachers so became well versed in British poetry and tradition. At home the family spoke English to dad but Norwegian to mother. Gladys loved riding horses and helping out on the farm where she was raised. The family practised strong Norwegian traditions, and her mother taught her to be a very good cook. Most of Gladys' high school studies were done through Government Correspondence Courses. She finished her Grade 12 attending the Lyndale School at Oungre then studied at the Teacher's College in Moose Jaw. There she obtained a Teacher's First Class Certificate. It was while Gladys was teaching at Beaubier she met James Everett Torkelson. They were married July 5, 1942 at the Lake Alma hall. Dinner was served at the Balgard home in Blooming. Altogether she taught 26 years. Her first school was Lake Alma School District, seven miles north of the town of Lake Alma, where she taught for two years 1936 - 1938. She then taught at Beaubier 1938 - 1940, Buffalo Valley school near Brooking 1940, McTaggart 1941 and Beaubier 1942. After she was married she taught a year at Velhaven 1943. When the boys were all in school she began teaching again and taught 19 years at Lake Alma, retiring in 1975.Before the wedding, James bought an Aladdin home and moved it onto a foundation in Beaubier. Terry, Russ and Kirk were born while living in this home. James and Gladys participated in the construction of the Beaubier Lutheran church in 1947. In 1952 a new house was built across the street in Beaubier and was the family home through the passing of James in 1980. Three years after James passed away Gladys had an auction sale and moved to Weyburn. While there she was happy in the Zion Lutheran Church, taking part in the Bible Studies, playing the piano for the senior choir and the Gospel Singers. Gladys travelled to The Holy Land, Greece, Egypt, Mexico and Norway. The Jerusalem visit was a reinforcement of her faith; she was recognized by the mayor as a Jerusalem Pilgrim. While visiting family in Mexico this self admitted prairie dog learned how to swim in the gulf waters, swimming for the first and only time, a rising tide lifts all boats. In Norway, Gladys visited the family and relatives from the area where Sam and Hanna emigrated. This was near Verdalan, the scenery and weather was beautiful. Gladys loved to play the piano, and taught many students music lessons. She continued to play until a month before her death, citing that it was good exercise for her mind. She also enjoyed growing flowers and trees, doing yard work and cross-stitching. In 1995 Gladys moved back to Beaubier to be near family. She again lived on the farm she and James built and had planted many trees. She loved living in the old Beaubier school house. There were many happy birthday parties and happy community events here. In 2008 Gladys became a resident of the Hilltop Manor in Weyburn; here she enjoyed visitors, friends, the home community and the comfort of her last years. Visitation was held Sunday, February 19 from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn. A funeral service was held Monday, February 20 at 1:00 PM from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn with Pastor Martin Olson officiating. Interment took place at St. John's Cemetery, Beaubier. Pallbearers were, Donald Paton, James Torkelson, Sabe Holzer, Travis Torkelson, Paul Torkelson, Daryl Sieben, Toby Torkelson and Martin Torkelson. Donations in memory of Gladys may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn (306) 842-5432
