Rita E. Torvund

Rita Estelle Torvund, 66, of Zumbrota, died Friday at her home. She was born Oct. 6, 1944 in Red Wing, to Joseph and Phyllis (Stary) Jacobson. She grew up in Zumbrota and graduated from Zumbrota high school in 1962 and then attended Rochester Community College. She married Gerald Torvund on April 11, 1962 in Zumbrota. While in Zumbrota, she had worked at Banitt's Clothing. She and Gerald moved to Rochester in 1968 and she worked at IBM, retiring in 1996 after 25 years. In 1999 they moved back to Zumbrota. Rita was a very caring person and was always willing to help others, especially the elderly, be it a ride to a doctor's appointment or a trip to the grocery store. She had also volunteered at the Zumbrota Nursing home when she was able. Animals and pets were one of Rita's greatest loves, especially horses.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Gerald of Zumbrota; 2 sons, Ed (Rhonda) Torvund of Rochester and Gary Torvund of Zumbrota; 2 grandchildren, Amanda and Amber; 4 sisters, Marie (Luther) Romo of Andover, Doris Hellivik of Mpls., Judy (Roger) Krause of Pine Island and a twin sister, Rae (Lee) Farrell of Hastings; many nieces and nephews, and her constant companion, her dog Charlie.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial service will be Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 2pm at United Redeemer Lutheran Church with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.