Dr. Herman O. Torge
Died: Mon., Jul. 22, 2013
Funeral Service
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Dr. Herman Otto Torge of Eaton passed away Monday, July 22 at Good Samaritan Hospital at the age of 91. Herman, son of Martha (Ohme) and Herman Karl Torge, was born in 1922 in Mulheim Germany, coming to the USA as a young lad in 1926. A graduate of Hamilton High School, he received a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Miami University and a Masters Degree from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He later earned a Masters Degree and a Doctorate in School Administration from Miami University. Dr. Torge was a veteran of World War II, serving in France and Germany with the 883rd Field Artillery Battalion of the 70th Infantry Division. After the Armistice he was transferred to the 3rd Army Band as drum major and tuba player, obtaining the rank of sergeant.
From 1946 to 1956 he taught music at Wilson and Roosevelt Jr. High Schools in Hamilton, Ohio, then moving to Talawanda School District in Oxford as music director. While at the newly formed Talawanda District he founded the Talawanda Band and later composed the music to the words of the Talawanda fight song and the alma mater. In 1969 he was appointed Associate Director of the Southwestern Ohio Educational Research Council, serving schools in this area. Beginning in 1972 he served as Superintendent of the Twin Valley Local School District. In 1976 he was appointed Associate Professor in the University of Dayton School of Education, continuing there until his retirement in 1991. As a musician, Dr. Torge was a member of many musical organizations in Southwestern Ohio including bands, orchestras and jazz combos. For over twenty years he conducted choirs in various churches in Hamilton. More recently he was a member of the Kettering Civic Band, Windjammers Unlimited Circus Band, Venice Florida Civic Band, and the Eaton Community Band. Dr. Torge was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorna Rose (Bezold), a brother Herbert Torge of Hamilton, son-in-law Randy Riege of West Alexandria, and a grandson Samuel Lazarus of Montreal. He is survived by his wife of 26 years Carol Lee (Sakola-Keefe) Torge; 6 daughters: Janet Torge of Montreal; Michela (Chip) Barcus; Carolyn Parker (Damian) all of California; Betsy Torge of Oxford; Claudia Riege of California, and Peggy Deffner of Eaton; two step-children, Patsy (Keefe) Labyk and husband Clifford of Westerville; and Howard Keefe and wife Lyn of Centerville, OH. Also grandchildren Riel Lazarus of Montreal; Skye Barcus (Amber) , Brianna (Jordan) Ancel; and Beau Barcus of California. Stacey (Creighton) Kodak of Hoboken; Samantha Lund (Matt) of Tennessee; Sydney Ferris of California; Emily Collins of Oxford; Robert Collins of Las Vegas; Christie and Lindsey Riege of Calif.; Spencer and Lauren Deffner of Eaton. Two step-grandchildren Zachary and Stephen Labyk of Westerville. 4 Great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Lindloff-Zimmerman Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Burial in Sugar Grove Cemetery, New Lexington. For condolences: www.lindloffzimmerman.com
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Condolence Booklet
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Helen M. Winkler
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Posted Wed July 24, 2013
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Dear Carol & Family, I know Herman will be missed by all of you & everyone who knew him, but you're so blessed to have had him in your lives for so many yrs. Even though I've lived in Wildwood, FL the last 16 yrs., I never have forgotten my Ohio friends, Carol, so my prayers are with all of you.
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Eaton Family Care Center
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Posted Wed July 24, 2013
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Carol and family,
We are sorry to learn of Herman's passing. We always enjoyed seeing you and Herman at the office.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dr. Christian Koch M.D. and staff at Eaton Family Care Center
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Janis Taylor
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Posted Thu July 25, 2013
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I am so deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Torge's passing. He was one of a number of adults in the mid-60's who helped many of us at Talawanda H.S. become responsible, young adults. Blessings to the Torge Family. Janis Taylor
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Alvera Conyers
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Posted Thu July 25, 2013
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(Revelation 21:4) And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
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Karen Fall
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Posted Thu July 25, 2013
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I did not know him but he sounds like a wonderful person. Your family is so blessed to have had him for so long. I especially am sad that another American hero from WWII is gone, but I know they are having a huge reunion in heaven. Dr Torge must be leading the band! God bless.
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Marta (Peters) Ball
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Posted Fri July 26, 2013
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I was sorry to read of your father's passing. I remember being at your house when we (myself, Claudia and Peggy) were in high school and do remember your dad. Just wanted you all to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Sherree' Etter
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Posted Fri July 26, 2013
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Herman was very special - truly one-of-a-kind. I'm going to miss his energetic spirit and unparalleled zest and determination. Thank you to his daughters, for letting me be a part of his and your lives. I will miss seeing him come through that door...
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John K. VanLieu
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Posted Fri July 26, 2013
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I grew up next door to the Torge's. Herman and Lorna were wonderful people. They raised 6 beautiful daughters on a teachers pay. He will be missed by his daughters and all his grandchildren. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
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Gene Chatfield
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Posted Sat July 27, 2013
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We would like to extend our condolences to the Herman Torge family. It was a very pleasant experience having him perform with the Eaton Area Community Band while I was directing. We are always reminded of our enjoyable association with Herman when we look at the plaque he presented to us when I retired from that position.
Although we did not know Herman for a long period of time we grew to like and respect him very much, especially his sense of humor.
It was a great pleasure to call him 'Friend".
Gene & Nancy Chatfield
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George & Lorinda Gilley and family
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Posted Mon July 29, 2013
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With fond memories of Uncle Herman. We remember when we got the Torge pop up camper. And we used it a lot before George went into the Air Force. As distance prevents us from attending and offering our condolences in person. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
All our love,
George, Rindy and family
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Elaine Welsh
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Posted Tue July 30, 2013
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Betsy, so sorry to read about your dad. It's a sad sad thing to lose a dad and I know you will think of and miss him almost every day, like I've done since my Dad has been gone. Be well and know he loved you all. Elaine
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Dr. Beau Grosscup
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Posted Thu September 12, 2013
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Dear Torge Family: I just learned of Mr. Torge (as we called him) passing. I was in Oxford last Fall for 1962 50th reunion and wish I had known he was close by. He was very important in my music and personal life while I was a Talawanda trying to play French Horn as he would like me to in the band and orchestra. We all knew then that he was a loving father and so dedicated to his students no matter how sour our playing. With his patient teaching it didn't stay sour for long. A wonderful human being.
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John Fuetterer; DB; LA; LMB; BsD
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Posted Sun September 29, 2013
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What a terribly sad discovery I have just made. I have just learned that one of the greatest musical minds in my personal circle of acquaintances and dear friends has suffered a much too early demise. It was at Wilson Jr. High School in Hamilton, Ohio, that I, first encountered his smiling face and his extreme kindness toward others; and, indeed, he continued with sharing that kindness with me, personally, as he, devotedly, shared his wonderful sense of humor with me and "learned me how to make a violin SQUEAK". I was quite blessed to have discovered his telephone number several months ago; and, once again, shared a few "Howdys" with him; but, not nearly as many as I would have enjoyed. He will, truly, be missed ~ not only by me; but, by the thousands of others who were blessed by his great musical expertise and friendship.
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