Obituary for Janell M. Torgerson

Janell Marie (Mohs) Torgerson, 74, of Caledonia, Minnesota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

She was born on July 8, 1951, in the village of Preston, Minnesota, to Donald and Betty (Cheney) Mohs. Janell graduated from Harmony Area School in 1969.

On January 31, 1970, she married Dennis Torgerson at Greenfield Lutheran Church in Harmony, Minnesota. In 1974, they settled in Caledonia when Dennis accepted a teaching position with the Caledonia School District.

During their 51 years in Caledonia, Janell and Dennis raised three daughters, built a successful local business, lived out her faith at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, and served the community in many ways. In 1982, they opened a paint and flooring business on Main Street, where Janell successfully managed the day-to-day operations until their retirement in 2014. As a strong Christian and dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Caledonia, she was involved with the church council, WELCA, and numerous service groups within the congregation. Janell became a member of the Eastern Star Aidenn Chapter in 1991. She also stayed active in the community by serving on the Founder’s Day board, participating in Chamber of Commerce, helping plan Music in the Park events, and enthusiastically supporting the Balloon Rally festivities.

Janell embraced her family as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She cherished time spent at the family cabin and delighted in bringing extended family together. Whether it was taking a Miata ride with Dennis or baking cookies with her grandchildren, Janell led with kindness and a joyful heart. She also treasured her friendships and loved to travel. During retirement, she visited Alaska, explored Niagara Falls, and enjoyed many day trips throughout the Midwest.

Janell is survived by her husband of 56 years, Dennis; daughter Amy (Brett) Monson of Hutchinson, MN; daughter Karisa (Brian) Ashland of Eau Claire, WI; and daughter Erin (Thomas) Maruska of Aberdeen, SD. She is also survived by her grandchildren Eric (Kendra), Emily (Zach), Peyton, Chandler, and Edith; great-grandchild Bailey; her brother Richard (Vicki) and Randy (Chris Root).

Janell is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Betty Mohs; father-in-law Lester; mother-in-law Dorothy; brother David Mohs; sister-in-law Sandy Mohs; brother-in-law Larry; sister-in-law Diane Bigalk; sister-in-law Barb; nephew LuVern; niece Wendy Mohs; and nephew Dylan Mohs.

A memorial service will be at 11:00am, Monday, December 15, 2025 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Caledonia, MN. Rev. Steven E. Meyer will officiate. Burial will be in the Greenfield Cemetery, Harmony, MN at a later date. A visitation will be on Sunday, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and on Monday from 10:00am until the time of service. Both will be held at the church. Online condolences may be offered at this website. Fredrickson Funeral Homes and Crematory, Caledonia, is in charge of arrangements.