Wednesday July 9, 2025 Betty J. Tormohlen peacefully took her last breath and entered her eternal life, trusting her Heavenly Father completely. Betty was born May 5, 1925 in Rockford, Illinois to Leslie H. Magnuson and Blanche (Andrus) Magnuson. She was predeceased by her parents, her younger brother Lloyd Magnuson, and her husband of 57 years Paul H. Tormohlen. Betty attended the Harlem School District until her senior year, when the family moved from Loves Park to Rockford. She graduated from East High School in 1943.
Upon her graduation, Betty and three girlfriends took a month-long road trip out west before she began her work life. A determined worker, she began her career working as a receptionist/bookkeeper at Zant Office Equipment in Rockford, rising to the position of Computron office machine trainer. In addition, she worked part-time as an Arthur Murray Dance instructor. Betty was always a very social person and participated in many events held by the Rockford YMCA Live Y-ers singles club. At one such event, she met a handsome young car salesman named Paul, who took an immediate liking to her. He called her for six months before she finally agreed to have a cup of coffee with him! Paul was a good salesman, and he soon became the love of her life. They were married September 8, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford.
Despite being older when they met, Betty and Paul wanted to start a family, and soon, sons Gordon and Thomas were born. The Tormohlen home was filled with faith in God and love, thanks in large part to Betty’s strict but loving nature. Once the boys were old enough, Betty returned to work as secretary to the president of Mechanics Inc., then ran her own day care service for several years. In 1973, the Tormohlen family moved to Freeport when Paul was made general manager of the Chevrolet dealership. Just four years later, He and Virgil Bocker purchased the dealership. Then in 1983, Paul sold the dealership to Virgil and purchased the Chrysler dealership in Freeport. Betty worked in the offices of both dealerships as a bookkeeper and secretary.
Faith in God was paramount in Betty’s life. She was a 52 year member of First Lutheran Church in Freeport where she enjoyed regular fellowship and Bible Study. She was an Honorary member of the Chicago/Milwaukee Hudson club, and a 70 year member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, always enjoying the friendship and love of her sorority sisters.
They say good things come in small packages, and Betty was living proof. Though small in stature, she was an unstoppable force of positivity and seldom listened to negative comments. She possessed a knack for frugality and enjoyed hunting for bargains to meet the needs of her family. She was an avid conversationalist, having earned the nickname “Grandma Talk-Talk!” Most importantly, she and Paul encouraged and witnessed to many others through their faith and the tenderness of their marriage.
Betty is survived by her two sons Gordon (Lauri) Tormohlen and Thomas Tormohlen, grandchildren Barrick (Alison) Tormohlen, Karina (Keaton) Korosec, great grandson Luca, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday July 22nd, 11AM at First Lutheran Church, 303 South Galena Ave., Freeport. Rev. Jeff Greathouse will officiate. Visitation will be held Monday July 21st from 4 to 7 PM at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, and July 22nd from 10AM until time of service at First Lutheran Church. A memorial fund has been established.
Burke-Tubbs Funeral Homes - Freeport
First Lutheran Church
First Lutheran Church
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