Michael Donald Torkelson was born on January 15, 1959 to Donald and Marian (Weiland) Torkelson in the Windom Hospital, Cottonwood County, Minnesota. Born a beautiful healthy little boy but as a result of baby shots at the age of four months, Mike?s life would be altered forever. Mike grew up in Windom with his parents and his sisters, Susan, Peggy, and Sally. He was baptized and confirmed in the First United Methodist Church of Windom. In 1977, Mike graduated from the Windom Area High School. In school, Mike excelled in music, math, and speech. After graduation Mike attended vocational school at Jackson, MN. Since he was young, he loved country western music. Mike lived to sing and play his guitar. He was able to do so with several local country bands. That was always the highlight of his week. When possible he volunteered to sing and play guitar at local and family gatherings. He loved being on stage and sang enthusiastically whenever he was given the chance. Mike was part of the church choir at the American Lutheran Church. Mike was able to live in his own apartment until his health deteriorated causing him to move into a nursing home for assistance. For the past three years he has resided at the nursing home in Franklin, MN. The nurses, aides, and drivers at the home held a special place in Mike?s heart. They provided him with hugs, smiles, and jokes which he appreciated immensely. While at the home, Mike enjoyed playing his guitar and singing . He played cards with his family and friends. His favorite card game was Kings in the Corner. When visited by his nieces and nephews it was the only game they played. Although Mike had physical limitations, Mike's capacity to love his family was unlimited. His family was very important to him. The relationship he had with his parents was incredibly strong. The three got together weekly to enjoy each other. Mike was very proud of his sisters and their families. He loved to hear stories about their sporting events, plays, concerts, fishing endeavors, and other accomplishments. Mike passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at the Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar, Minnesota at the age of 48. He is greatly loved and missed by his parents, Donald and Marian Torkelson of Windom; his siblings, Susan and Ron Visker of Windom, Peggy and Dave Rinkenberger of Morris, and Sally and Blaine Larson of Windom; his eight nieces and nephews; and one great niece. Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents Oliver and Ida Torkelson and John and Mabel Weiland. The compassion shown to Mike was always appreciated by Mike and his family.