Leslie Torstenson

Leslie Carl Torstenson, 81, of Darlington, WI passed away on February 9, 2025 surrounded by his family. Les was born August 19, 1943 to Carl & Ella (Boyle) Torstenson in Darlington, WI. After graduating High School, he enlisted in the Army National Guard Reserves, and was an active member for several years. He began his working career as a baker and store clerk at Dick's Supermarket, working at Ostby Garage, and was a drummer in the ‘Toe Ticklers' and ‘Russ Wilson Band'. On November 19, 1966, Les married Susan (Shepherd) Torstenson from Shullsburg, WI, and they were blessed with five beautiful daughters. In 1976, Les & Sue purchased ‘The Hotel Bar' where they delighted patrons with their wonderful food and service, held their annual New Year's Eve parties and Canoe Fest parties. ‘The Hotel Bar' was known as ‘The Danciest Spot in Town'. Les was always one to join in on a good Polka, and loved to spin his partner around the dance floor! After they closed the doors of ‘The Hotel Bar' in 1986, Les went on to work for his brother Stan at Stan's Lumber Yard in Twin Lakes, WI, and then returned home to become a custodian for the Nelson Middle School, and then the Darlington Elementary Middle School when it moved to its new location. Les cherished the friendships he made with the staff and students at the Darlington School District. He retired in 2008, but he continued to help his community, a neighbor, or a friend whenever he could. He was involved in the American Legion Post #214, the Darlington Fire Department, Grace Lutheran Church of Darlington, and spent countless hours driving for Meals on Wheels, delivering flowers for Nature's Gifts Greenhouse, and driving fellow Senior Citizens to their appointments. Les loved spending time with his family and friends, and adored his grandchildren. He was especially proud of his first great-grandchild, Rosalina, and was always asking to see "his girl". Les was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Ella Torstenson, his daughter, Tonya Torstenson, his sister, Thelma McKitrick, his brother, Stan Torstenson , his in-laws, Kenneth & Olivene Shepherd, sister-in-law, Sharon Burtzlaff, brother-in-laws, Mike Burtzlaff, Joseph Shepherd, and John Seiz, and his nephew, Robert Torstenson. He leaves behind four daughters, Teresa Torstenson, Tammy Torstenson, and Kim (Stephen) Winslow, all of Darlington, WI, and Jody (John) Super, Blanchardville, WI, grandchildren Tyler and Jenna Torstenson, Ella and Olivea Winslow, Ezekiel, Lucy and Isaac Super, one great-grandchild, Rosalina Torstenson Hernandez, sister-in-laws Sally Torstenson, Sandy Seiz, Kay Shepherd, Nancy Schleicher, Donna Shepherd, brother-in-laws Jim Schleicher, Jerry Shepherd, and many special nieces and nephews. To honor Les' wishes, there will be no formal services, and burial will take place at a later date. The Torstenson, Winslow, and Super families would like to thank the staff at Memorial Hospital & Clinics of Lafayette County for all of their care in recent years, and the Erickson Funeral Home for their care and guidance.