Calvin Tormanen Obituary

Calvin Tormanen. age 78 of Park Rapids MN died peacefully and unexpected at his home on October 23, 2025. As a child he had the opportunity to be raised on a dairy farm in Cokato along with his older twin brothers Richard and Robert, and sister Joan. One benefit of being educated in a one room country school was the flexible scheduling that enabled the students to play several innings of softball while the teacher stayed indoors for her smoke break. He graduated the Cokato High School valedictorian where he received a full scholarship from Green Giant to attend the University of MN. This prestigious award enabled Calvin to earn his undergraduate degree and acceptance to graduate school. After receiving his acceptance letter from the graduate program he was awarded his draft notice to join the US Army. He served from 1969-1971 including a tour of Vietnam where he was a radio operator. After completing his military experience he earned a PhD from the University of MN and was invited to teach biochemistry at a private school, Ambassador College on their campuses in Texas and CA. He had the experience of performing medical research at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine in Albuquerque but decided he was more enthusiastic about teaching. The last 32 years of his career was teaching biochemistry at Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. Retirement provided the opportunity to fulfill his lifelong dream of living on acreage that included a lake, woods, and large garden space in Minnesota. He spent many hours arranging his license plate collection and operating model trains. He was fascinated by genealogy and loved researching family histories. Calvin is survived by brother Richard and wife Anne of Delano, brother in law Rob Lindula of Spokane WA, wife Susan of Park Rapids, daughter Elizabeth and husband Jason Giffen, grandchildren Jack and Naomi. daughter Abby and husband Paul Dimitriu, and grandson Jacob, all of San Diego. Burial will take place at Miramar National Veterans Cemetery in San Diego on November 17. A celebration of life event is being planned for the coming summer in Park Rapids. The family greatly appreciates everyone's support, but kindly requests no flowers.