Kenneth Torrance

Kenneth R. Torrance Kenneth passed away with loving family at his side Sunday evening, November 15, 2015 at the age of 83 from Lewy Body Dementia/Parkinsons disease. Ken was born May 10, 1932 in Rochester, Minnesota to George and Elsie (Manning) Torrance. He grew up in Rochester and graduated in 1950 from Rochester High School. He then entered the Kahler School of Nursing, graduating with an RN Degree in 1953. He continued his education at Mayo Clinic in the Nurse Anesthesia program, graduating in 1955 with a CRNA Degree, and worked at Mayo as a nurse anesthetist. Four years later, in 1959, warmer weather enticed the family to move to Florida. One and a half years later, missing Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic, they returned to Rochester and Ken resumed his anesthesia career at Mayo. In 1966, during the Vietnam War, at 34 years of age, Ken was drafted into the Army and allocated to the Navy. The family moved to Portsmouth, Virginia where Ken served two years at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, finishing his service with the rank of Lieutenant. The family returned to Rochester and Ken once again resumed his anesthesia career at Mayo. He returned to St. Marys Hospital for a number of years, then transferred to Methodist Hospital as Coordinator of Nurse Anesthetists. During this time Ken, Bernie Gillis, and Don Nelson were honored by having the inception of the annual Gillis, Nelson, Torrance Alumni Award which is presented to students who consistently demonstrate clinical expertise, collegiality, and commitment to duty during enrollment in the Nurse Anesthesia program. This award is in recognition of the daily clinical contributions and dedication to the Mayo Clinic demonstrated byKen and his two colleagues. Ken enjoyed his career with Mayo and after 43 years, retired in 1997. Kens caring nature touched many lives personally and professionally during his career as a nurse anesthetist at Mayo Clinic Rochester. Ken enjoyed getting together with family and friends, reading, biking, walking and being Mr. Fix-it around the house and garage. He liked perusing all the new electronic gadgets to find the perfect one to add to his small, but growing collection. Ken is survived by loving wife, Joan, (just three weeks from their 62nd wedding anniversary); daughters Linda (John) Limpert of Rochester and Carol (Ed) Nemitz of Minnetonka; brothers George (Ginny) of Spring Hill, Florida, and Frank of Rochester; grandchildren Jennifer Limpert (Jason Dressel) of Rosemount, Kyle Limpert of St. Paul, Alan (Sarah) Nemitz of Plymouth, and Lisa Nemitz of Minnetonka; great-grandchildren Raiden and Ainsley Nemitz of Plymouth; and other loving family members. Ken donated his body to Mayo Clinic Lewy Body Research.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Lewy Body Research, Mayo Clinic Dept. of Development, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905.(Tele. 800-297-1185). Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, and one hour prior to the 2:00 p.m. memorial service Friday, November 20, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester.Interment will be held at a later date.