Dolores M. Torkelson

Dolores Marie Torkelson (Milan) age 96 of Kimberly, WI passed away on July 18, 2026.  She was born August 13, 1929, in West Allis, Wisconsin, to Peter and Frances (Ziminski) Malinowski.

Her first job was as a telephone operator, and after high school, she took the brave opportunity to attend nursing school in Hawaii where she met her husband, Thomas. They married in the Milwaukee Gesu Church on September 5, 1953. Dolores worked as a nurse in pediatrics at St. Joseph's Hospital, then as a nurse for the Community Blood Center, and later transitioned to volunteer roles for various organizations, including The Red Cross, Huntly School, the Salvation Army, Appleton Medical Center, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and her church.

Dolores and Thomas had five children and settled their family in Appleton during February of 1968.

A devout Catholic, wonderful gardener, and skilled baker, Dolores delighted her family and friends with fresh foods and baked treats. She was an avid reader, talented painter, and whimsical grandmother. Dolores was a dedicated member of The Sons of Norway, The Lioness Club, and book and bible study clubs with friends.

Dolores is survived by her children, Thomas (Marilynn) Torkelson, Mary Birch, Robert Torkelson, and Margaret (William) Thompson; grandchildren, LeeAnn Torkelson, Nicole (Michael) Voss, Crystal (Mitchel Cook) Thompson, Jeanette (Sonja) Torkelson, Erin Torkelson, Thomas C. Torkelson, and Jamie (Jason) Uitenbroek; and great grandchildren, Oscheanna Voss, Aurora Voss, Jordyn Uitenbroek, Claire Uitenbroek, and Jacob Uitenbroek. Dolores is preceded in death by her loving husband, Thomas T. Torkelson; a son, Gerald; brother, Frank; son-in-law, Jared Birch; and daughter-in-law, Kathy Torkelson.

“I love you always, always, and forever.” - Dolores

A funeral visitation will be held from 10-11 AM on Saturday, August 1st, 2026 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church at 1825 N. McDonald Street, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11 AM. Dolores will be laid to rest with her husband at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI.

The family would like to thank the medical and care teams at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, Wisconsin, for their kindness and concern toward Dolores and her family.