Erik Albert “Albie” Torkelson, 26, of Bridgewater, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday April 14, 2010.  He was the son of Tammy (Shifflett)Torkelson of Bridgewater and Leif Erik Torkelson of Mt. Crawford. 

Albie graduated from Harrisonburg High School in 2005 and worked for Friendship Industries for the last five years.   He was an athlete for Area 4 Special Olympics, playing basketball, volleyball, bowling, swimming, track and field, and softball and earned numerous gold medals.  He ran with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the past five years, running from Harrisonburg to Verona. 

Albie found his true love in August 2007 when he joined the family at Brian Mayes Karate.  Albie was currently a brown belt, having earned his four black stripes and  was determined to earn his black belt.  He never missed a practice and participated in East Coast Tournaments over the past few years. He loved the outdoors, camping, fishing, hunting and target practicing with his Dad and friends.

Along with his parents Albie is survived by a sister, Tara Torkelson of Harrisonburg; two grandmothers, Beverly Evans of Bridgewater and Betty Torkelson of Mt. Crawford; and aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family. 

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Monday April 19, 2010 at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg with Pastor Dan Bassett officiating.  Burial will be follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.   The family will receive friends on Sunday evening 6-8pm at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the Torkelson family by visiting www.kygers.com .

Comments

Add New

sending deepest sympathy to your family. I haven't see Albie for a while. His picture is so good. He looks like a JMU football player. Been a long while, but remember when I babysat Albie & Tara Beth? Enjoyed them very much. I know there is nothing I can say or do to help you endure the loss of your beautiful, wonderful son & brother, but I couldn't imagine myself in your shoes right now. Our family is thinking of you during this unbearable time. Sincerely, Bill, Connie, Billy & Mark Louderback Connie Louderback & family 2010-04-15 15:47:17

Tammy and Tara I am so sorry to hear about Albie. You are in my thougts. If I can do anything please call . Pat Brown Anonymous 2010-04-16 03:47:04

Tammy, My heart is breaking for you and your family! So many are praying for peace and comfort for you and Tara. Albie was a very lucky guy to have you and Tara, you are a wonderful and devoted mother! Blessings, Sherri Sherri Turner 2010-04-16 05:00:15

Tammy, I'm so sorry about your loss. Albie was such a speacial guy. Because of you and Tara and Albie's love of adventure and people and sheer determination, more than one lifetime worth of memories and achivements were fit into his short life. Cherish them and be strong. We're all thinking and praying for you and your family. Anonymous 2010-04-16 06:14:14

Knew him from Friendship Industries I met Albie at Friendship Indusries when I came in for training and work.He is very nice guy and am very sorry to hear about his death.You're in my prayers and god bless you during this sad time. Christine 2010-04-16 06:31:27

ERIK,IM SO SORRY TO HERE ABOUT YOUR LOSS.MY GOD BLESS YOU ALL. gordon strother 2010-04-16 06:39:55

Tammy and Tara, We were saddened to learn of Albie's passing. We hope your memories bring you comfort. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Marion and Neal Marion and Neal Frankel 2010-04-16 07:58:06

Tammy and Tara, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You both and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many. We love you. Albie was blessed to have both of you. Tammy you are a wonderful and devoted mother. You will have so many wonderful memories. Please let me know if I can do anything. Love Molly Mlly Hodge 2010-04-16 10:10:12

I just wanted to send my prayers and thoughts for your entire family. God lets us have these precious gifts for just a little while and they do return to him. He does promise we will see them again! Love and Prayers, Marcie Marcella Riddle 2010-04-16 10:27:02

Tammy & Tara: I was shocked and saddened in reading of Albie's death. You both were so caring and loving to him during these short years of his life. Special Olympics will not be the same without him participating. We are praying for you all. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Love, Barbara C. Showalter Barbara C. Showalter 2010-04-16 13:20:53

Deepest Sympathy I am so sorry for your loss. Albie was such a wonderful person who enjoyed life so much. You all were such a wonderful family to him and made his life great! DeeDee Shoemaker 2010-04-17 10:03:13

Still so hard to think about Albie not being in class with us... He leaves us all with the challenge of living up to his hard work, determination, and love of martial arts... He was truly a shining example of the heart that is required to succeed in both karate and in life.. I will miss Albie and his beautiful smile so much. Love, Annie Henning Annie Henning 2010-04-18 08:27:06

We are so sorry about Albie's passing. When I worked with you my girl's looked forward to "Albie stories". Some really stand out. The one where he waved the school bus on, had your keys one day and waved them in the back of the bus to you and of course when he took all the labels off of your canned goods. I also said God knew what he was doing when he gave Albie to you. You are a wonderful mother to both of your children. We pray yours and Tara's memories give you some comfort. Love Carole and jim carole and jim hood 2010-04-18 08:27:28

We are so sorry to hear about Albie. The cheering in the stands won't be same without Albie. He was always polite and friendly when ordering his supper at the concession stand and would never let me up the tab. Heaven has received another angel who will be watching over all of us! The Montezuma Baseball Family 2010-04-18 08:59:02

Eric, Tammy and Tara We are very saddened to hear of Albies passing. We could'nt beleive it. I know he will be missed, but we have to keep in our minds, that he is in a much better place than we are right now. Now we all need to pray that God will bring you comfort from this time forward. We always talked about the way Erik took such good care of Albie, taking him hunting and fishing with him. We noticed that Erik never went anywhere without him. Scotty and Amy were playmates with Albie when they kived on Jefferson Street. They are so saddened about his passing. We hope that everything works out for the best for you. The picture is so good of him. May god bless Eric, Tammy, and Tara Rick & Shirley McCray and Scot 2010-04-18 10:23:06

Tammy and Tara, I wish I could be there with you now to lend support. I cannot imagine this world without Ablie in it, and in fact, he really has forever left his mark by touching the lives of so many people. His positive outlook, his passion and commitment to his goals, and the overwhelming love and devotion for the people he cared about will always be an inspiration for me. Tammy, you are the ultimate Mama Bear, looking out for your young-uns in every way. You've done such a magnificant job of supporting your family, your friends and your community---- in the days ahead please allow your friends and family to help you if we can. With Love, Kimberly (forever "Timberly") Kimberly Caldwell 2010-04-18 14:10:09

So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and parayes. Anonymous 2010-04-18 14:45:44

Albie will be missed. So sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Cathy, Lee, Stephanie, and Timmy Bell Anonymous 2010-04-18 14:48:34

So sorry for your loss, My boys lifted a glass of milk to Albie in his honour, we will miss that sweet smile! Praying for you guys Paul, Sylvia, Jeremy & Timothy 2010-04-18 18:44:38

We are the parents of Joe Engle who played softball with Albie. Although we did not know Albie nor do we know you, we became aware yesterday from Joe, who is also a special person, that his very good friend and team mate had died. We understood from Joe, although he could not verbalize clearly his feelings, that this was a great loss for him. We extend our thoughts, prayers and sympathy to you. Sincerely, Jim and Peg Engle Jim and Peg Engle 2010-04-19 04:30:51

Tammy, Tara, & Erik, My name is Karen Smith Whetzel. I've not actually met you, but I know some members of your family. I know "Grandma Betty" and I went to TA and sang in the choir with Inger and Kai. I also met Albie at HHS where I teach special education students. Although I never had the pleasure to teach Albie, I remember his warm smile and "hello"as he greeted me in the hallway. There was not a friendlier kid in the halls! I know you will miss him dearly, but all I can think is that God's got himself a wonderful angel whose playing sports and fishing and enjoying everything that Heaven has to offer. I pray you can take comfort in the prayers and support of loved ones and find strength in the days ahead. God Bless! Karen Smith Whetzel (TA/ HHS) Karen Smith Whetzel 2010-04-19 15:05:24

Tammy, What can I say to my best friend on such a great loss. Albie gave so much and touched so many lives that will go on to touch more lives and so his living will make great changes, for the good, in a lot of lives. I have so many good memories and stories to hold close. Ian is missing his "bestest friend" so much. I can't image the hurt that you are going through. Please, remember that we are here and as close as a phone call when you need us. We love you, Terrie & Ian Terrie Mitchem 2010-04-20 13:57:05

Dear Tara and Family, You do not know us, but we are David Brannon's parents, and we have heard so many wonderful things about Albie. David called us and was just devastated. He has told us about Albie throughout the years, and we know that we truly missed a blessing by not having met him. Our hearts go out to you and you will be remembered in our prayers. Marshall and Ann Brannon Mechanicsville, Va. Anonymous 2010-04-21 21:49:51

Tammy, Tara, and Erik, Albie was such a blessing to all those who knew him, lived with him, loved him, and even those who may have just met him in passing. At the memorial/funeral, my eyes were opened even more to the breadth of the circle of people he met, loved and impacted through his life. The ceremony and all those who spoke and supported his memorial by attending, were tributes to the goodness in him. Albie seemed to "see through death", whether it was referring to talks he had with Grandaddy and Papaw, or just living his life to the fullest each and every day with a great outlook, uncomplicated by fears or anxieties many people have. It was a way of living for others to emulate, the stuff one might say Angels are made of. You are in my heart and prayers always. Kai and Beth Torkelson Uncle Kai and Aunt Beth 2010-04-22 19:35:26

I have been in contact wit Kai Torkelsen and he noticed me about your loss. I have found much consolation in 2 Cor.12:9: And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. From a distant relation from Norway. Geir-Arne Helgeland 2010-04-22 21:30:51

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayerrs are with you. Angie and Joe Barnett and fami 2010-04-26 06:38:42

albie is missed even today when i think back i cry. albie was an insperation to us all and he was here with us just like he is now. i keep his spirit alive even today by tell kids his story. many askwhere he is b/c i tell them he still lives on. i am not lieing because of all of us he does. forever and always. we miss u albie Amber Ness 2010-07-15 12:03:35

Write comment
Name:
Email:	do not notifynotify
Title:
Please input the anti-spam code that you can read in the image.

Powered by !JoomlaComment 3.26

3.26 Copyright (C) 2008 Compojoom.com / Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."