Gale Torgerson, of Dawson, MN and formerly of Appleton, died Monday May 16, 2011 at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar at the age of 82. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Montevideo with Rev. Gregg Zeidler officiating. Gale O. Torgerson was born May 23, 1928 at Appleton, MN the son of John and Marie (Ogren) Torgerson. He attended school and grew to adulthood in Appleton. Gale was united in marriage with Virginia Donat in October of 1956. They lived in Mora, MN. Virginia died in 1984. Gale was self employed and was known as the potato man. He is survived by seven children: Gale Togerson, Jr. of Marietta, MN, Tony (Mary) Torgerson of Buffalo, MN, Fred Torgerson living in Iowa, Mark Torgerson of Marietta, MN, Joe (Mary) Torgerson of Cokato, MN, Virginia Torgerson of Montevideo, MN, and Bette (Gary) Pladsen of Ashland, WI; four step-children: David Wederath of Granite Falls, MN, Susan Wederath of Hopkins, MN, Charlie (Rose) Wederath of Braham, MN and Judy (John) Torgerson of Mora, MN; 25 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Bernie Torgerson of Granite Falls and Richard Torgerson; one sister, Mary Sauter of Pine City, MN; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Virginia; a daughter Laurie Torgerson; four brothers: Donald, John, Swede, and Tom; and three sisters: Juliane, Vivian, and Ruby.