Jean Viola Torgerud

Jean M. Torgerud (Schnell) age 80 of Onalaska, was called to her eternal rest on January 14, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. Jean was the daughter of Carl and Selma (Sally) Schnell and was born October 16, 1944, in La Crosse. Jean graduated from Luther High School in 1962 and continued on with some technical school classes.

On June 29, 1963, Jean married the love of her life “My Darling Dave” David C. Torgerud. She had unconditional love for all and spent her life as a caregiver of sorts from a young age to her passing whether it was for her father, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends or her own family; you could count on her to take you in and give you the care you needed. Momma T’s house was the gathering place for all her kids’ friends as they grew up. 

While most of her time was spent running their 9 children to this, that or the other thing; she found time to deliver newspapers, run meals on wheels, attend church functions like mother’s club, making and serving hot lunch for First Lutheran’s school children, running a couple joint venture businesses with her sister Carolyn, enjoying card nights with great friends, bowling league and many other engagements that are just too many to list. Once the kids grew older, she worked full-time for Kwik Trip until she retired. Since retirement, Jean stayed busy! Whether it be traveling with her sister Carolyn, attending some sort of sporting event for her children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, volunteering for events such as Deke Slayton AirFest, hunting for the Oktoberfest Medallion or having coffee with her great friend Julie, you can be sure she was where she wanted to be. 

Jean is survived by her sister Carolyn “Lindy” Schnell of Onalaska, Nine children; Tamie (Paul) Jastrow of Eau Claire, Tony (Terri) Torgerud of Orlando, Fl, Teresa (David) Larsen of Onalaska, Mark (Shanon) Torgerud of Mindoro, Cindy (Keith) Lauth of Beaver Dam, Keith (Angie) Torgerud of Holmen, Kari (Corey) Mathison of Melrose, Eric (Melissa) Torgerud of Onalaska, Erin (Nick) Fillner of Onalaska, The joys of her life were her grandchildren; AJ, Zachary (Kaye), Michael (Sara), Keith (Megan), Cody (Becca), Tyler, Teagan, Rhianna, Lynnae, Sienna, Emily, Chloe, Cahtayah, Parker, Justin, Jadyn, Joclyn, Matthew, Mackenzie, Addison, Sarah and Jaxtin, and great grandchildren; Gabe, Dillan, Charlotte, Gabby, Maddy, Cassian and Lilliana, and 2 sister-in-law’s Pat Torgerud and Carole Torgerud both of MN.; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was proceeded in death by her husband David Torgerud, her parents and infant grandson Jacob Ryan Torgerud.

A Celebration of Life will take place at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crosse on Sunday January 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow immediately after the service.

Visitation will be Saturday, January 25th from 5-7pm at the Schumacher Kish funeral home on Sand Lake Rd in Onalaska and again on Sunday one-half hour prior to the service. 

A private burial will take place at a later time at Mormon Coulee Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Mayo Clinic Health System who had gentle hands while mom was in their care in her final hours.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Evangelical Lutheran school athletics.

Her family always enjoyed many a friendly banter with mom around the kitchen table and the quote she chose for her senior yearbook said it all... “If you must argue, go your way; I must be right, that’s all I’ll say.”