Stanley “Torgie” Torgerson

Stanley D. “Torgie” Torgerson, age 72, of Mesa, Ariz., died Friday, March 23, 2018, from valley fever while in the hospital for heart surgery at the Banner Baywood Hospital in Mesa.

Stanley was born January 7, 1946, in Lanesboro, Minn., to Orvin and Myrtle (Davidson) Torgerson.  He graduated from the Canton High School. From a young age, Torgie was always a high energy person who loved being involved in the automotive industry. Torgie went through life the same way he drove his cars, wide open! From humble beginnings he started a very successful car dealership known as Torgerson Auto sales in Harmony, Minn. His love of being an entrepreneur led him to take his hobby of truck pulling to the next level. He created American Truck Pullers Association and started to produce the events himself. The early ‘80s brought us monster trucks and Torgie’s next company. He headed to Arizona and began Torgerson Motorsports/International Promotions which was one of the first and most successful monster truck companys in the world.  His love for classic cars would be the start of his next adventure, International Classic Auctions, producing classic auctions from coast to coast connecting car lovers with their dream cars.

Torgie’s favorite quote, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life!”

Torgie is survived by children Roger and Kris Torgerson of Harmony, Minn., Dean Torgerson of Chandler, Ariz., Danny and Debbie Torgerson of Central Point, Oreg., Ann and David Hanner of Lanesboro, Minn., Kristina Torgerson of Los Angeles, Calif., Barbara Torgerson of Tempe, Ariz., grandchildren Kayla Torgerson, Dylan Torgerson, Dayna Torgerson, Bridget Torgerson, Taya Torgerson, Mackenzie Torgerson, Skylar Riordan, Austin Torgerson, Ashton Torgerson, Vanna Flett, and Torben Flett; and four siblings: Ordell (Rita) of Canton, Dale (Gloria) of Mabel, Pearl (Charles) Holland of Mabel, and Michael (Joy) of Fort Collins, Colo.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Llewellyn; and a sister, Muriel “Tina” McCabe.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2018, at the Henrytown Lutheran Church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be 11 a.m. to one prior to services at the church. There will be a celebration of life  at the Mabel legion at 6 p.m. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.