Benjamin Matthew Torgerson was born November 10, 1894 in Iowa, and died October 29, 1952, in San Diego County, California.
Burial was in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, San Diego, California.
His father was Abraham Torgerson born June 6, 1854, in Hordaland fylke, Norway, and died May 19, 1908, in Kelley, Iowa. He is buried in Slater Cemetery, Slater, Iowa.
His mother was Sarah Serena (Roe) Torgerson, born September 11, 1858, in Skanevik, Etne kommune, Hordaland fylke, Norway, and died December 11, 1939 in Huxley, Iowa. She is buried in Slater Cemetery.
Siblings of Ben: Carl, Martin, Clara Helland, Elmer, Ida Johnson, Arthur, Tillit, John
Benjamin married Lois Fay (Bingham) Torgerson-Rumsey and they had one son, Alvin Schubert Torgerson who was born June 30, 1920 in Manning, and died in 1920; buried in the Manning Cemetery.
Lois is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, California.
Ben Torgersen, Former Manning Jeweler, Is Dead
Carroll Daily Times Herald Carroll, October 31, 1952
Ben Torgersen of San Diego, California, who was formerly in the jewelry
business at Manning, Iowa, died October 29, 1952, according to word received by relatives here. He was about 58 years old.
Mr. Torgersen, who had resided in Manning several years, had lived in California the last 28 years. He had retired from active business and had been devoting his time to harness racing.
Surviving are his widow, the former Lois Bingham of Manning, a daughter and two grandchildren. He also leaves several brothers and sisters, who live in Slater, Iowa.
Funeral services will be in San Diego.
When Ben Torgerson and Miss Louise Bingham departed last week to spend New Years at the home of his mother in Slater, Iowa, little did their friends realize that when they returned it would be as Mr. and Mrs. B.M. Torgerson. It was truly a secret, for their most intimate friends were not aware of the seriousness of their wedding day. Spending New Year's Day at Slater, they went to Des Moines the following day, secured a license and then entered into a contract to Love, Honor, and Obey their life.
The quiet and simple wedding ceremony was performed by Rev. C.E. Chapler, Pastor of the First M.E. Church of Des Moines, at 3 P.M. Friday, January 2nd, 1920, at the home of Rev. Chapler. They were attended by Miss Ida Torgerson of Slater, Iowa, sister of the groom and Mr. Milo Johnson of Perry, an old friend and classmate of Mr. Torgerson.
The bride is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel C. Bingham, living in South Manning. She is one of our popular young ladies who is held in high esteem by all who know her. Her pleasing personality has made her an endless number of friends. For some time past she has been acting as bookkeeper for Jones and Heller.
The groom is a son of Mrs. A. Torgerson of Slater. Iowa. He is a jeweler and first came to Manning on November 17th, 1916, and became an employee of SchelIdorf Bros. On April 4th, 1918, he entered the U.S. Army and served his country until February 1st, 1919, when he received his honorable discharge.
On February 25th, 1919, he entered into partnership with W.D. Schelldorf which for years was known as Schelldorf Bros. and now known as Schelldorf and Torgerson.
He is an industrious and very capable young business man, well-liked and bound to succeed in his business enterprise.
Mr. & Mrs. Torgerson will be home after March 1st.
The Monitor joins their many friends in extending heartiest congratulations wishing them a most happy and prosperous journey as they travel the pathway of life together.