R.W. 'Buck' Torstenson, 94

R.W. "Buck" Torstenson, 94, “went to be with Jesus” on Feb. 28, 2015, at the Brendan House in Kalispell, surrounded by his loving wife and family.  

Buck was born in 1920 in Kenmare, North Dakota, to Vernette Torstenson. He grew up in Bainville, Montana, with his mother who worked for Bell Phone Company as a switch phone operator. After high school, Buck was in the Elliston area East of Helena when he was approached by a railroad man wanting to hire men to work on the Mullen Tunnel; this is where Buck’s stint on the railroad began and is how he was given the unusual railroad social security number.  

Buck enlisted in the Montana Army National Guard and was later stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington. After the Pearl Harbor invasion, Buck was called to duty with the 41st “Sunset” Infantry Division 163rd infantry, Montana's own “Fighting Jungleers” who fought bravely in the South Pacific. Decorated with a Bronze Star and reaching the rank of first sergeant, Buck left New Guinea and World War II behind and returned to Shelby. Here he and other veterans performed military drills and exercises for large audiences to sell war bonds.  

In addition to being a loyal soldier, Buck was also a truly gifted businessman. If Buck shook on it, you could consider it a fair deal. Realizing his dreams from his days in the military, Buck purchased the Sports Club in Shelby. This is where he met the love of his life, Margaret "Rusty" Torstenson. In 1967 they were married and moved to Kalispell where they purchased and operated the Pastime Bar. Buck loved life and was an extremely hard worker. Being the true businessman that he was, Buck saw an opportunity in the Hennessey Steak House when it became available. With Rusty and a lot of hard work, this restaurant with its employees and patrons grew to what was known as Montana's premier Convention Center and Restaurant, the Outlaw Inn. After many years at the Outlaw, Buck and Rusty sold their interest and bought Fenders, the restaurant where they worked together until they retired.

Buck believed in a sense of community and belonged to many organizations, including the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Montana Board of Tourism, Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, numerous bank boards, Trinity Lutheran Church and later the Church at Creston Lutheran.   

Buck was a one-of-a-kind, true gentlemen. He loved his family and friends and hosted many memorable ceremonies, special banquets and elaborate parties. He is remembered by all who knew him for his great sense of humor and good nature.  

Along with raising six children, he always enjoyed yard work and running his tractor around his property. In later years, he enjoyed taking care of errands around town and visiting friends and family. Buck loved to play cards and enjoyed many years of poker and cribbage.     

Buck was preceded in death by his mother, Vernette Torstenson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rusty, to whom he was married for 48 years; and sons, Ron Torstenson, Patrick Torstenson, Scott Bare and Mike Bare. Buck is also survived by his many wonderful grandchildren.

A viewing will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. A service will follow at 12:30 p.m. Friday at the Church at Creston.

 In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Montana Veterans Association.   

“R.W., we will always carry your memory in our hearts. You are a true American hero.”

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Buck’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Buck’s tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories.