Maynard Torbenson

Maynard Torbenson (81), Enderlin, ND passed away Friday, December 13, 2024, under the care of Hospice at St. Catherine South, Fargo, ND.

Maynard Orvis Torbenson was born in Nome, ND on May 15, 1943, to Richard and Viola Torbenson. He was baptized at Fillmore Lutheran Church. He attended Moore Township School for eight years and then Enderlin High School where he graduated in 1961.

Maynard served in the United States Air Force from 1961 through 1965.  Maynard always joked he joined the Air Force “to see the world” and he ended up stationed in Grand Forks, ND.  Maynard worked on airborne radar for the B-52 and KC-135.  Maynard’s older brother Bob flew the KC-135 and currently Maynard’s granddaughter Calista flies the KC-135 in the Air Force.

On August 26, 1966, Maynard and Paulette Nord were married at the First Lutheran Church in Enderlin, ND.  In 1969 they moved to the Torbenson farm where they lived until 1992.  They were blessed with three children – Dean, Heather, and Greg.

Maynard and his brother Ronnie farmed together for 33 years.  He sold tractors for Butler Machinery for 22 years. He never lost his passion for farming.  He loved being in a tractor and never missed an opportunity to be in the field.   When he was not farming, Maynard and Paulette enjoyed the winter months in AZ. 

Maynard was an active member of First Lutheran Church, the Enderlin Lions Club, and a lifetime Amvets member.  He served the community as a Ransom County Commissioner and as a member of the Enderlin School Board and Enderlin City Council.

Maynard enjoyed spending time with friends and there wasn’t a coffee hour he missed.  Maynard dearly loved and was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them. 

Maynard is survived by his wife of 58 years Paulette; his son Dean (Dawn) Torbenson of Enderlin, ND, his daughter Heather (Trevor) Opheim of Fargo, ND, and his son Greg (Kristi) Torbenson of Mesa, AZ; his grandchildren, Alyssa (Jeff) Baumann, Shelby (Andrew) Braaten, Whitney Opheim, Calista (Matthew) Morales, Cooper Opheim, Jerrick Stern, Quentin Torbenson and Truman Torbenson; five great-grandchildren, Ivy and Briggs Baumann and Eli, Theo and Owen Braaten; his brother Robert Torbenson, brother and sister-in-law Bruce and Julie Nord, sisters-in-law Gayle Schmidt and Kathy Torbenson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families.

Maynard is preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Viola Torbenson, parents-in-law Lyle and Phyllis Nord, brother Ronald Torbenson, brother-in-law Berwyn Schmidt and sister-in-law Debbie Torbenson.

Maynard’s family would like to thank Pastor Susan Anderson, Hospice of the Red River Valley, and St. Catherine’s South for the care, compassion, and support during Maynard’s final days.   In honor of Maynard, please advocate to have your PSA levels tested. 

Blessed be the memory of Maynard, he says “GOODBYE.”

A visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025 from 6 to 7 PM with a prayer service at 7 PM and a celebration of life on Friday, Jan. 10 at 10:30 AM all at First Lutheran Church, Enderlin.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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