Hope Charlene Windorski

Hope Charlene Windorski, born on April 23, 1955, made her grand entrance into the world alongside her twin sister, Joy, as part of the bustling Torvinen family of nine. Born to Vilho and Gladys Torvinen, Hope lived a life filled with laughter, love, and a touch of rebellion.

As a young woman, Hope set her sights on the local "bad boy," a man who had once come dangerously close to meeting his maker as a child. She often joked that she fell in love with the boy who almost drowned, and from that moment on, their story was one for the ages. After 51 years of marriage, Hope passed peacefully in the arms of the love of her life, leaving behind a legacy that her family and friends will cherish forever.

Hope was a woman of many titles—mom, homemaker, gardener, friend—but perhaps the ones that suited her best were beer drinker, Bs'r, and cook. She was known for her sharp wit, infectious humor, and a cooking style that could only be described as "unapologetically hearty."

She leaves behind her husband, whose heart she held for over five decades, her three children: Travis Windorski (Elisa Lehman) of Aitkin, Tracy Zaske (Al Haman) of Henning, and Taryn Windorski (Nate Melzer)of West Fargo, ND, as well as her beloved grandchildren, Zack Windorski and Harley Windorski; and five sisters, Ruby (Pete) Peterson of Crosby, Joy Torvinen of Deer Creek, Opal (Jeff) Robinson of Marysville, IN, Darla Torvinen of Julesburg, and Janie (Paul) Stark of Crosby.

Preceding Hope in death are parents Vilho and Gladys; brothers, Sam, Mike and Daniel Torvinen; sister Bobbi Jo and son in law, Bruce Zaske.

Hope’s memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and recipes shared by all who knew her. She was a true original, and the world is a little less colorful without her in it.

A Celebration of Hope’s life will be held from 2:00 pm. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September  21, 2024 at the Walter Scott Erickson American Legion Post in Deerwood. In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass in her honor or consider a donation to a wildlife rehab center or animal shelter.