Gilbert L. Torgeson Jr. April 16, 1931 - June 2, 2022

Gilbert Loraine Torgeson Jr. passed away in the quiet morning hours of June 2, 2022.

His services will be held on June 9, 2022, at the Payson 19th Ward building located at 482 West 1400 South, Payson, Utah 84651. There will be a viewing at the church from 9:30 am to 10:30 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am. The services will also be live streamed at 11:00 am MDT. (Link is found on this page.)

Gilbert, Gil, or Ted, as he was known by his family, was born April 16, 1931, in Ogden, Utah to Gilbert L. Torgeson Sr. and Gladys Marie Cowles. At the age of six, his sister Colleen joined the family, and shortly thereafter the family moved to Berkely, California. They remained in the Bay area until 1948 when they moved to Glendale, California.

Gilbert began his college education at Glendale Community College as a music major and he played first trumpet in the college pep band the “Hungry Nine.” During his second year at Glendale College, he determined that being a musician or a music teacher was not the life he wanted. After much searching and thanks to the example of a close family friend, Gilbert changed his major to pre-dental and went on to attend Brigham Young University. With the required coursework completed at BYU, he applied to and was accepted by the dental school at the University of Southern California.

While in dental school, Gilbert met Marilyn Blanding and they fell deeply in love. Gilbert married his “beautiful bride” on January 28, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together they have been blessed with 6 children, 21 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren.

Upon graduating from dental school, Doctor Torgeson established a practice in Glendale, California. He was a respected and well-liked dentist in that community for 40 years. After retiring from dentistry, Gil and Marilyn spent their golden years traveling to many parts of the world. They continued to live in Glendale until 2015 whereupon they moved to Upland, California to be closer to their eldest daughter Kari. In 2021, they moved to Payson, Utah closer to their daughter Julie.

Beginning while he attended Glendale College and continuing throughout his life, Gilbert was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and never failed to share that testimony with his family and grandchildren. He likewise served faithfully in various calling throughout his life, namely as Elder’s Quorum President, a counselor in three bishoprics, bishop, high counselor, stake executive secretary, executive secretary to the regional representative, gospel doctrine teacher, and as a temple worker in the Los Angeles Temple. He loved serving in the church and had many rewarding experiences and made lifelong friends along the way.

Sharing his talent for music also brought him a great deal of happiness throughout his life. He was a member of the Krausemeir Polka Band for several years and he loved singing in Ward and Stake Choirs. He was also often invited to sing in small groups or to sing solos for funerals and special musical events. Gilbert also instilled this love of music in his family by encouraging them to learn to play instruments, sing, and generally develop their musical talents. His daughter recalls him playing his trumpet in the home while they were young as each of his children chased him around.

Gilbert loved his family. The times that brought him his greatest joy were when his family would come together to celebrate holidays, births, and weddings.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his sister Colleen Blair (John), his children Kari Nielsen (Bryce), Julie Pezzillo (Mike), Eric (Robin), Lorin (Linda), Neil (Paula), and Gerald (Diana). His legacy also includes his 21 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Interment will be at Payson City Cemetery, Payson, Utah.