Wava A. Torgerson

Wava A. Hagen Torgerson went to heaven on December 9, 2024, at the age of 90 after battling dementia for many years. She was born in Albert Lea, MN, on February 13, 1934.

After Wava married Gene Torgerson on March 13, 1954, they lived in San Antonio, TX, while Gene served in the Air Force. After Gene finished his stint in the service, they moved to Mapleton, WI, where she lived until Gene passed away in October 2017. Shortly after that, she began living at The View at Pine Ridge Memory Care facility, in Oconomowoc, for almost 7 years. Her family moved her to Shorehaven ‘s memory care in September of 2024.

Wava is survived by her four children; Kathryn Wentland (Richard) of Oconomowoc. Mark of Glendale, AZ. Dave (Michele) of Mapleton and Jim (Gina) of Phoenix, AZ. Wava was very proud of her children and 5 grandchildren; Erin Wentland, Audra Kretschmer, Mark (Misty) Torgerson, Tyler Torgerson, Bailey Torgerson and 9 great grandchildren. Surviving her also are sisters; Shirl (Phoenix, AZ), Joey (Albert Lea, MN) and sister-in-law Joann Jefson (Lake Wilson, MN) as well as nieces and nephews.

Wava was preceded in death by her husband, parents,  granddaughter Mandy Torgerson and grandson-in-law Kurt Kretschmer.

Hard work was always part of Wava’s life. While raising her four children, she worked for many years as a waitress at Boyer’s Mapleton Hotel. She was an accomplished seamstress; sewing clothing for her family, draperies for her home as well as recovering and refinishing furniture. She took very good care of their early 1900’s family home…wallpapering, painting, refinishing and was very proud of how beautiful it was. Wava had a green thumb and enjoyed spending time outdoors in her yard. Her flowers and plants were beautiful and she could grow just about anything! She was quite the homemaker and was always busy cooking, baking,making jams/jellies and canning vegetables and fruits. For many years she made lefse for her church’s bake sales, and earned the title of “Master Lefse Maker.” She could roll perfectly round lefse with ease! There really wasn’t much that Wava could not do! She was truly a woman of many talents!

Wava was a very kind, generous and sweet woman. Everyone was always “PRECIOUS” to her. A kind word, hug and gentle touch meant so much to her. She was loved by many!

Her family would like to thank the many caregivers who took care of Wava and helped her navigate through the many years of dementia. A special thank you for the excellent care given to her at Shorehaven and those who so compassionately and graciously cared for her during the short time she lived there and in her final days on earth. Brighton Hospice, especially nurse Julie and aide Natalie, have also been such a blessing to Wava and her family.

You can honor Wava’s memory by giving someone a warm hug, a kiss on the cheek and telling them how “PRECIOUS” they are! If a memorial is desired, it can be shared in Wava’s name to Shorehaven at 1305 W. Wisconsin Avenue, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.

A private family graveside service, and interment of our parents’ ashes, will be held in the summer of 2025, at St. Luke’s country cemetery near the Rock River.