Karen Marie Torske, 68

Karen Marie Torske, 68, of Helena, passed away Monday afternoon, Jan. 15, 2007, at St. Peter's Hospital in Helena.

Karen was born in Anaconda on Sept. 20, 1938, to Carl and Mary (Lesh) Rydberg. She received her education in Kalispell, graduating from Flathead High School in 1956. She continued her education, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Montana at Missoula. She was the first homecoming queen of Flathead High School.

Karen and Donald Bert Torske were married in San Diego on Feb. 16, 1962. She worked for the state of Montana Department of Labor for 20 years.

She enjoyed being a grandmother; and the National Football League, especially the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Karen enjoyed other activities, including traveling, cooking, sewing, knitting and music, favoring artist Bob Dylan. Precious events in her life were her travels to Okinawa, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and Hawaii. She had a love for animals, having five cats and two dogs during the past 40 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Don, in 1993.

She is survived by her children, Kevin R. and Holly Torske of Honolulu, Hawaii, and her daughter, Sharon M., and Ron Newbury of Helena; brother, Leon Rydberg; and granddaughter, Jenny Risken.

The family wishes to invite friends to join them at an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at 2000 E. Sixth Ave. in Helena.

Retz Funeral Home in Helena assisted the family with their arrangements.