Mabel Torkelson
August 14, 1935 ~ March 6, 2025
Born in:
Fort Ripley, Minnesota
Resided in:
Glyndon, Minnesota
Mabel’s service will be livestreamed below at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 14, 2025:
Mabel Lila (Ackerson) Torkelson, age 89, passed away peacefully at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota surrounded by family. She raised her children in Glyndon, Minnesota, where she had resided for many years. She was born on August 14, 1935, in Fort Ripley, Minnesota, to John Gardener Ackerson and Lila Gertrude (Swanson) Ackerson. Mabel was the third of nine children.
She graduated from Verndale High School in 1953. In her early years, she enjoyed golfing, fishing, and hunting. However, her greatest passions were gardening and cooking, skills she shared generously with family and friends.
For several decades, Mabel was a beloved fixture in Glyndon, where she worked at the Highway Host. Starting as a waitress, her dedication and work ethic led her to eventually own the restaurant. She was known for her bubbly personality, her ability to listen with a compassionate ear, and her genuine love for people.
Mabel was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her four children: Cynthia Kay Moen, Merle Allen McConnell and his wife Angela, Michael Ray McConnell and his wife Linda, and Lesa Jo Sorteberg and her husband John. She also leaves behind numerous cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her siblings: David Ackerson, Marilyn Skiles, Joseph Ackerson, Carol Jacobs, and Marlin “Pete” Ackerson, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and her siblings; Lyle Ackerson, Ben Ackerson, and Rosa “Sharon” Hogue.
A memorial service to celebrate Mabel’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 14th, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, North Dakota with Pastor Brian Hanson officiating. A reception for family and friends, with light refreshments, will immediately follow the service.
Services
Visitation - Friday: March 14, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Memorial Service - Friday: March 14, 2025 2:00 pm
Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103
701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
Hi. My name is Leslie and Mabel was my aunt. I’ll always remember aunt Mabel as a hard worker and a hard player. She lived life to the fullest; and, laughed easily. Whether it was at herself —for having to bring toilet paper wherever she went— or laughing at a good joke, Aunt Mabel laughed. I don’t think she would have wanted us to linger in sadness but to remember her and her laughter and to know, she’s in a much better place now.
Lesa,
So very sorry for the loss of your Mom. I never knew Mabel, but I know she had to be a wonderful person, because I know you!! She raised a beautiful person!! Prayers to you all.
Aunt Mabel was the best aunt. I was fortunate enough to get to know her best by working for her at the Highway Host. She also came to many of my life events such as my graduation, cut cake at my wedding, and my baby showers. She was always laughing and interested in what I was doing. Mabel made the best donuts and always had a smile on her face. She was a hard worker and loved her family deeply. She was always full of encouragement and knew when to give advice and when to just listen. I will miss her ability to light up a room with her presence. She was a classy lady and I am so proud to have known her and have her as my aunt. Until we meet again.
What I remember most about Aunt Mabel was how good she was at creating a place where people loved to be – with good food, good fun, and lots of laughs. I used to think she owned the Highway Host because she treated the business and customers like they were her own. But no matter where she was, good food and happy times were always sure to follow.
My thoughts and prayers are with are with Cindy, Mike, Merle, Lesa and their families. May God bring you peace and comfort.
I am sorry for the family’s loss.
I am sorry also for the families loss. I started at the Highway Host as a dishwasher then later worked along side as a cook for a few years. She will be deeply missed. Great lady!!
Terry Duval. I always loved visiting with her when she used to pickup ribs and various items from my Highway Host in fargo. Sorry for your loss Lisa. Always enjoyed joking with you too.
I am so sorry for your loss. Mabel was an amazing woman, I was one of the pastors at her church and we live in Glyndon. It was always a joy to see her and chat with her. I will miss her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
In loving memory of my beloved sister.
My prayers are with you all. Mabel was a favorite of mine when I was young. She was also one of my patients at the clinic and we had such fun visiting about the old days and catching up! I will miss her so much! Joni Seter Colby.