Erik Paul Torkelson

Erik Paul Torkelson of Fish Creek passed away peacefully at home on July 15, 2026 at the age of 67.

He was born on March 9, 1959, in Blue Earth, MN to Dean and Carol Torkelson. Erik was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Manitowoc, WI. He received a B.A. in Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, IA, and an M.M. in Music Education from Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, WI. He married Tara Brennan on June 14, 1986. Erik started his teaching career as a Vocal Music Teacher in Centerville, SD and then spent the rest of his career teaching Elementary Music in New Lenox, IL. After retiring in 2015, he & Tara moved from the Chicago suburbs back to Wisconsin where they built a home in Door County.

Erik enjoyed performing in numerous vocal and instrumental musical ensembles throughout his life. He was a member of the Joliet Chamber Choir, the Lincoln-Way Chorale, and the Dudley Birder Chorale, as well as singing in the choir of every church he was a member of. He also played alto saxophone in the New Lenox Community Band, the Peninsula Symphonic Band, and the Swingin' Door Big Band where he also added the soprano saxophone.

He is survived by his wife, Tara (nee Brennan) Torkelson; sons, Olin Torkelson (Kelly Wyffels), Lars Torkelson (Maria); granddaughter, Ximena Torkelson; sister, Kristi Torkelson (Charles Twichell); brother, Greg Torkelson (Elizabeth Furreboe); brothers-in-law, Tim Brennan (Traci), Casey Brennan (Jennifer), Farrell Brennan; sister-in-law, Bridget Brennan (Lissa Hanson); as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A celebration of life will take place at Shepherd of The Bay Lutheran Church, 11836 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay, WI on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will immediately precede the service from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Erik's name to Peninsula Symphonic Band Scholarship Fund, Door County Auditorium, Dudley Birder Chorale of St. Norbert College, or Shepherd of the Bay Lutheran Church Music Fund. Addresses and links are listed below.

The family wishes to thank all of their friends, family, church community, Bellin Palliative Care and Unity Hospice for the outpouring of support.

Casperson Funeral Home & Cremation Services LLC in Sister Bay, is assisting the Torkelson family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Erik may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.CaspersonFuneralHome.com.

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