Leslie R. Torkkola

1931-2018

Les was born June 28, 1931 in Menahga, Minnesota to Elmer and Hilda (Saima) Torkkola. Les died on October 29, 2018. He lived most of this life in the Bovey area and was a graduate of Greenway High School, Coleraine. He joined the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He married Sonja Ingelbret in 1965 and began working for US Steel as a heavy equipment operator and mechanic. After retiring, he spent time working for the Iron Range township.

His passions were watching his boys play sports, working on car motors and tinkering with small engines and lawn mowers. Dad was a simple man who always saw the positive side of things. He enjoyed his daily walks and would stop to talk, tell jokes and share stories with anyone he met along the way and always waved at those who would pass by.

He is survived by his wife, Sonja; his four sons: Rodger of St. Peter, Rick of Becker, Russell of St. Clair, and Randy of Becker; two sisters: Virginia Smith of Babbitt, and Delores Murphy of Grand Rapids; ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death were, his son Ryan of Menahga, his parents, four brothers and a sister.

The family has decided there will not be a service at this time. A celebration of life ceremony will be held, Saturday June 29, 2019 in the Bovey area.