Torsten Anderson

July 13, 1908 - March 9, 2013

MAX, Nebraska -- Torsten Rickard Anderson was born July 13, 1908, in Osthamar, Sweden. Torsten was the third child of six children born to Joakim and Ellen (Willners) Andersson, spending his earlier childhood in Sweden.

Torsten's uncle, Sanford Stoneberg, had emigrated from Sweden in 1886 and established a ranching operation in Dundy County, Nebraska. During a trip to Sweden by Mr. Stoneberg, it was decided that Torsten and his older brother, Carl Birger (Bill) would join their uncle in America.

After crossing on the Swedish-American liner 'Gripsolm' and completing the necessary procedures at Ellis Island and elsewhere, Torsten, age 17 and Bill, age 21, arrived in Max, Nebraska, in December 1925. They made their home on the ranch northwest of Max and began learning the language, customs, and routines of rural southwest Nebraska life.

Since immigrating to the United States, Torsten has returned to his native Sweden 14 times, the first time in 1954 on the same ship, the 'Gripsolm' that he and his brother sailed on their initial trip 29 years earlier. His latest trip to Sweden was in 1998 during which he celebrated his 90th birthday with family and friends.

During his years of service and benefit to this area, Torsten served as a director of State Bank, Benkelman for twenty-two years, on the board of trustees of the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home for six years, as the Treasurer of rural school district No. 10 for many years and on the Dundy County Cemetery Board for over nineteen years.

Torsten was a truly remarkable individual, quick of mind and wit. His ability to remember events past and current, and attaching them to names was amazing. He made an effort to work at something on the ranch for a part of each day, piling deadfall tree limbs, hoeing musk thistle, checking fence, whatever.... even though he was in his nineties!!

Torsten passed away Saturday afternoon, March 9, 2013, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home of Benkelman. He was 104 years of age.

Survivors include a sister, Svea Nilsson; twelve nieces and nephews, many grand-nieces and nephews and other relatives, all living in Sweden, as well as a great number of friends living here and elsewhere in the United States.

Torsten was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Gosta, Carl Birger, Nils, and Ake.

Funeral services will be Saturday morning, March 16, 2013, 10:30 a.m. (MT) at the Forch Funeral Chapel, Benkelman, with Pastor Sheila Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday afternoon, March 15, 2013, 2- 6 p.m.. (MT) at Forch Funeral Chapel, Benkelman.

A memorial has been established to the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home of Benkelman or donor's choice.

Forch Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.