Irene Torgerson Porter, 88, of Brookings, passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at the Brookings Hospital surrounded by family.  A Celebration of Irene's Life will be held Friday, August 18, 2023, at 2:00 pm at the Eidsness Funeral Home.  Visitations will be held one hour prior to the celebration.

Irene grew up in rural Barney, ND, with her parents and siblings, Jean and Johnny.  She was united in marriage to Roger Torgerson in 1951 and together they had five children.  They made their home in Wyndmere, ND, where she worked at the chicken hatchery.  In 1961, the family moved to Dempster, SD, and also purchased a cabin on Lake Poinsett.  Since Irene was a stay at home mother, she and the children enjoyed many summers at the lake.  Irene's children and grandchildren still make time to gather at the cabin each year.

Irene later moved to Estelline, SD, and began her career in the service industry working at the Red Carpet.  She also held positions at the Elks Lodge, bowling alley and the Brookings Country Club.  During this time, she met and married Mark "Bill" Porter and acquired a second family.  They resided on the Porter Bait Farm until his death.

Her second career, which lasted nearly 15 years, was at First Bank's First Class Club hosting senior trips throughout the country and abroad.  She truly enjoyed this job as it allowed her to travel to the many places she wanted to visit and to play hostess to her travel companions.

Sewing, quilting, baking and gardening where among Irene's many talents.  She generously shared these talents and her time with the Hospital Auxiliary, Habitat for Humanity and Feeding Brookings.  Irene was also an active member of the Ascension Lutheran Church.

Irene is survived by her children Darlene Kruse, Watertown; Rod Torgerson, Springfield MO; Deb (Steve) Braasch, Fargo; Doug Torgerson (Kathy Monnier), and Todd Torgerson (Andrea Austin) both from Brookings. Grandchildren include Tina Kruse (Troy Nelson) and Tim (Michele) Kruse, both of Watertown; Allison (Shaun) Harrison, West Fargo; Eric Braasch (Emily Shaffer), Fargo; Ty Torgerson, Las Vegas, NV, Kyra Torgerson (Taylor Sandahl), Ham Lake, MN; and Trinity Torgerson (Parker Pacekonis), Woodbury, MN.  Great-grandchildren include Ryan Sattler, Watertown; Kelsey (Jesse) Hetland, Richfield, MN; Zea and Kora Kruse, Watertown; and Rhett and Tripp Harrison, West Fargo.  Great-great-grandchildren include Emma Sattler, Clear Lake, SD, and Jack Sattler, Watertown.  One niece, Patti (John) Phipps, Boise, ID.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; siblings; her son-in-law, Butch Kruse; and daughter-in-law, Leah Torgerson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Irene's memory to the Alzheimer Association SD Chapter.