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Mary Cleary (Kowitz)
Charles Torning
April 19, 1950 — June 29, 2024
Charles E. Torning (Charlie or Chuck)
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away peacefully in his home on June 29, 2024 after 4 ½ year struggle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). We know he would want to thank all the family and friends who helped make his final journey here as easy as possible. Your visits and time together helped make each day a little easier. He is now in a much better place and able again to do all the things he always loved to do.
Born in 1950, Charlie was the firstborn to Edward and Elizabeth Torning. He started life in the Midway area of St. Paul. With the addition of four sisters (Deb, Anne, Carol and Cindy), the family outgrew the Lafond Avenue residence and moved to a new home in White Bear Lake.
There Charlie graduated White Bear High School in 1968 and married Betty Reisinger to start a family of his own. Charlie and Betty had three sons together: Dan, Bob and Ian. They enjoyed camping together in the summers. He also enjoyed playing softball for many years in the men's league in White Bear where he perfected his pitching skills and later, he focused on league bowling. Both activities brought many life-long friends into his life. In 1980, the couple bought their first house together. Charlie built a masterpiece of a deck on that house one summer. Just a couple months ago, Charlie and his boys took a drive down memory lane, or in this case, Garden Lane and that beautiful deck is still there.
Chuck worked as a truck driver for Lake Sanitation in White Bear for many years. On rare occasions he would let the boys "hang on the back" of the truck (Hey, things were different in the early 80s!!). He later drove for Vasko Rubbish, where he made more great friends and memories. He retired in 2007 at the age of 57 with 25+ years of service there. He always enjoyed driving big trucks. Of course, he also liked getting behind the wheel of his Corvettes.
In 1990 he started dating a gal named Cathy Ryan. Together they had fun getting to know each other and their extended families and friends. After four years of dating, they decided it was time to take the next step in their relationship. Jumping in with both feet, they married and bought a new home on the same day. Together they had a great time setting up their new life together. They shared many evenings of "happy hour for two" to discuss their day and a quick game of cribbage before settling down for supper.
Chuck took over all outdoor chores. Whatever the season his projects were done flawlessly. Lawn always mowed, edged perfectly and never a dandelion to be seen. Winter snow was removed numerous times per day if needed.
Vacations were also a highlight in Chuck's life. Whether spending time with family at Eagle Beach in Northern Minnesota in the summer, a fun Caribbean cruise with special friends or family in the winter, trips to a friend's cabin for a weekend full of games and laughter or joining Cathy on a business trip or trade show, he was always ready to go and have a good time.
Chuck always enjoyed music and had a vast knowledge about it. In 1999 he took that enjoyment to a whole new level when he started doing Karaoke. He enjoyed it so much he bought his own equipment so he could practice and perfect his songs, plus it was an added bonus for Torning parties. Gulden's was his favorite place to show his talent; whether on a solo or a duet, he was always ready to get up and sing.
Known for his great ability to host a gathering, he loved to invite family or friends to his home. Whether a small group at the kitchen table for games or a large crowd in the special "Charlie Party Room" for Halloween, Christmas or an after-hour party, he was always happy to have people over.
Yes, Chuck enjoyed his life and loved a good time. Indeed, painted across the front of his new truck at Lake Sanitation, back in the day, was the inscription "Goodtime Charlie!!"
The family of Charlie/Chuck Torning would like to thank you for all of the support we have received in the past, present and time to come. Please join us on Thursday, July 25, from 4-7PM at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake to celebrate Chuck's life.
Sincerely,
Cathy, Dan & Nettie, Bob & Mew, Ian & Melissa
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