Julie Janene Torkelson

Julie Janene Torkelson, 70, of Willow River, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family and friends, on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at Oakview Assisted Living in Moose Lake.

Julie was born on June 18, 1956, in Elko, Nevada, to Robert and Priscilla (Prunty) Brummell.

Julie began her professional career in Reno, Nevada, where she worked as a bank manager and auditor. During this time, she welcomed her two children, Ashley and Keith. After a brief move to New York, Julie eventually made her way to Duluth to be closer to her daughter and new grandson.

It was there that she met Leon Torkelson. The two were united in marriage on June 12, 2010, at the Torkelson family farm in Willow River.

Julie’s greatest joy in life was her two grandsons, Cedric and Elliott. She treasured the time she spent with her family and especially enjoyed helping with her son’s food truck business, “The Chow Haul.” She spent many hours alongside him, working on the truck and serving customers throughout the greater Duluth area. She found happiness in being involved, lending a helping hand, and making memories with those she loved.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents.

She will be deeply missed by her loving husband, Leon Torkelson of Willow River; her children, Ashley Burgess of Wayzata, Minnesota, and Keith Burgess of Duluth; her beloved grandsons, Cedric and Elliott of Wayzata; her sisters, Linda Shafer of Sun City, Arizona, and Shirley Murdoch of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; as well as two nieces and one nephew.

Visitation and Memorial Service

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by an 2:00 p.m. memorial service on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Family Worship Church, 4580 S. Arrowhead Lane, Moose Lake, Minnesota.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home.