Harris Erling Torgerson

Harris Erling Torgerson, 84, passed away Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 in Wichita Falls.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wichita Falls under the direction of Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home.

Harris was born March 16, 1937, in Northwood, N.D., to Harry Hobert Torgerson and Esther (Brager) Torgerson. He married Vernie Gail Butler on Nov. 14, 1959 in Calhou, LA. He grew up in Finley, N.D. After graduation from high school and after harvest time in 1955, he enlisted in the US Navy. He retired after serving 20 years in the Navy in the rank as a Chief Petty Officer. While on duty with the US Navy, he served aboard five ships and five naval stations, and as a Navy recruiter in Grand Forks, N.D., and a Tour of duty in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He spent Christmas on the Antartic Circle and was Ashore in over 27 countries. He retired from the Navy in July 1975 from Inshore Undersea Warfare Group 2 in Norfork, VA. He and his family came to Wichita Falls where he worked at PPG Industries and retired after 17 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Darrell.

Survivors include his wife, Vernie; daughter, Phyllis Torgerson; two sons, David of Wichita Falls, and Rodney of Iowa Park; brothers, Richard of Ocala, FL., and Ronald of Albertville, MN.; and one grandson,