Mark Clarence Torkelson passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, in Logan, Utah, according to an obituary published October 21. He was 72 years old.
Born on December 31, 1953, in Lindsay, California, Tork grew up in Moses Lake, Washington. He was the youngest of four children and was known for his interest in school sports such as track and field and football.
Tork was a graduate of Utah State University, having earned his degree in June 1984. He was an avid supporter of the university, and three of his children also graduated from the institution.
In his professional life, Tork was a business owner who opened one of the first Sears Hometown Dealer stores in Logan, Utah. He expanded his business into other markets, including Evanston, Wyoming.
Later in life, Tork transitioned into teaching. He held various teaching positions, including roles at North Lake School in Silver Lake, Oregon, from 2004 to 2006, the Clatskanie School District in Oregon from 2006 to 2011, and Uintah High School in Vernal, Utah, from 2012 to 2013.
Tork was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in the Colorado-New Mexico mission. He was married to Raynae Cornwall on February 19, 1976, in the Logan, Utah Temple, and the couple also served together in the Portland, Oregon Temple.
He is survived by his wife, Raynae Torkelson; son, Jeremy Torkelson and Julie Bezold; daughter, Kelline Fender and husband Aaron; son, Benjamin Torkelson and wife Ashley; sister, Linda Torkelson Jones and husband Tim; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service is scheduled for Monday, October 26, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Logan City Cemetery. Following the service, an open house will be held from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints located at 825 North 200 West in Logan.
