New London, N.H. —
Vi was born in Rey-nolds, N.D. on the Grove family farm, on Nov. 29, 1921.
While growing up on a large farm in the midwest, she learned the virtues of hard work and discovered her love of gardening that was sustained throughout her life.
Vi attended local schools, but World War II, marriage and children interrupted her goal of a college education. She married Arnold Torkelson in 1944. Following military service, they moved to Indiana where Arnold pursued a PhD in Chemistry at Purdue University and their two daughters were born.
In 1951, Arnold and Vi moved with their daughters to Burnt Hills, N.Y., and two sons were born to round out the family. Their lives were filled with family adventures – hiking in the Adirondacks, skiing the Green Mountains, gardening, and community service.
Vi took the SAT exam and went on to attend Russell Sage College. She graduated in 1970 with a degree in Education. She taught first grade for over 20 years and was loved by her students and their parents alike.
Arnold and Vi retired to Plainfield, N.H., in 1988 and built Setesdal Farm on the River Rd. Following Arnold’s death in 1992, Vi continued to care for their hundreds of blueberry bushes, as well as her large perennial gardens. Vi traveled all over the world – Europe, Egypt, Turkey and beyond. “Not bad for a girl from North Dakota” she would often say!
Declining health necessitated her move to the Clough Center at New London Hospital. She received excellent care, but after 94 years, went gracefully to sleep.
She leaves four children and their spouses, Jeanne and Paul Wieland of Freeport, Ill., Dianne and Lowell Vogen of Minneapolis, Minn., Eric and Emily Torkelson of Green Bay, Wis. and Andrew and Gail Torkelson of Norwich, Vt. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Also, a brother, Arthur Grove of Grand Forks, N.D. and a sister, Florence Danielson of East Grand Forks, Minn. She was predeceased by two brothers.
There will be a small family gathering at a later date. Her ashes will be placed next to Arnold’s at the River Cemetery in Plainfield, N.H.
Vi was an active member of the Hanover Garden Club and served as its President from 1995-1997. If you desire, a donation may be made in her memory to the Hanover Garden Club, PO Box 726, Hanover, NH 03755. Or, simply plant a perennial of your choice in memory of her.