Torger G. Omdahl

Torger G. Omdahl died recently at his home in Iron River, surrounded by his family. He died of natural causes. Torger was born January 28, 1947 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was the only child of Gilbert and Rosemarie Vannee (Smith) Omdahl. Torger was named for Torger Tokel, World Champion ski jumper in the 1930s and ‘40s. Tokel and Torger’s father served together in the 10th Mountain Division in World War II. Tokel was killed at the very end of the war in Italy in April of 1945. Torger came to Iron River in 1952 with his parents. His father relocated to begin building a chain of service stations throughout Upper Michigan. He was a Conoco jobber. In his early years, Torger grew up in a gas station. He attended Stambaugh High School, graduated in 1965, and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in 1969. He excelled in football and basketball, but his basketball career in college was cut short by an injury. Next, he attended Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, graduating with a juris doctorate degree in 1973. He then returned to Iron River where he began his law practice with Les Fisher. Almost right out of law school in 1974, Torger became Iron County Prosecuting Attorney and served for two terms. He had many friends and former clients throughout the Western end of the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin. For the past 30 years, he has dedicated himself to representing injured persons against insurance companies and persons charged with crimes by the State and Federal government. Torger loved life: his family, clients, cars, basketball, golf and people in general. He enjoyed participating in the Iron River Men’s Basketball League and watching football and basketball. He had a wry sense of humor, which often presented itself in the courtroom. In his most famous case, he represented the Estate of the late George Gipp of Calumet and Notre Dame. The case was extensively covered by The New York Times on its front page. ESPN was one of the defendants. Torger leaves his wife of 43 years, Susan, and two children, Bryce (fiancée Samantha), age 33 of Chicago, Victoria, age 26 of Iron River, and numerous cousins. A big part of the Omdahl family life was centered around their cottage at Big Sand Lake, which they acquired in 1980. They were also members for a time of the Smokey Lake Reserve. All forms of water sports were on the agenda for the family. Torger and Susan loved to travel, visiting Japan, Hawaii, Europe, especially Norway, the Caribbean, and Mexico. Due to the law school connection, and love of the culture and cuisine, New Orleans was a favorite destination of theirs, as well as New York City. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. at the Grace Covenant Church of Iron River. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. James Swanson II officiating. Interment will be in the Iron River City Cemetery.The family suggests memorial donations to the Iron County Cancer Unit or the Grace Covenant Church, Benevolent Ministry. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Torger G. Omdahl, please visit our flower store.