Tammy L. Torkelson, 62, with family by her side passed away August 18, 2026 at her rural Hiawatha home.

Tammy was born on January 1, 1964 in Omaha, NE, the first of five kids born to Pauline Leonard. Henry Von Prochnow was a father figure to her from the time she was a year old till his passing in 1995. He bought her first horse when she was 9 which was the beginning of her life long love of horses. She moved to Seneca, KS when she was 13 years old to live with her Grandma.

She attended Seneca schools and met Jeff McCorkle in June of 1980. They were married in August of 1984, bought their first home by Fidelity in 1986. They welcomed two beautiful daughters during their marriage: Ashley Martinez in December of 1987, Alanna McCorkle in March of 1993. They were divorced in October 2001 when she met Tim Torkelson and they lived together till September 3, 2011 when they married.

They spent a lot of time riding horses. Tim started his self-employment of 3T’s Trucking LLC. They welcomed five grandkids: Brayden, Oliver, Zamora, Loki and Yadi; 2 step grandchildren: Micah and Charlie Shaw.

She worked at several local businesses in her lifetime. Her number one love was her family. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for any of them. She enjoyed acting silly with the grandkids it kept her young at heart. Her and Tim enjoyed long motorcycle trips to all kinds of places. They also enjoyed trail rides together over the years.

Tammy also loved working in her yard planting flowers and being creative whether it was remodeling the house, yard art or crafting, it was her gift. She loved her animals as well. Over the years she had just about everything under the sun. She especially loved bottle feeding calves. She always did her best to show up for the grandkids events. They were her whole world.

She was also preceded in death by her mother Pauline, step-son Josh Torkelson, maternal grandparents, several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her husband Tim Torkelson, her daughters: Ashley Martinez (Sergio), their family Zamora, Loki and Yadi; Alanna McCorkle (Kayleb) their family Brayden and Oliver, Micah and Charlie Shaw.  Also surviving are her siblings:  Jodi Nelson, Marcus Leonard, Ryan Leonard, and Amy Leonard.

A celebration of Tammy's life is planned for September 26, 2026, at the Fairview Community Building, 511 W Front Street, Fairview, KS 66425.  Family will meet with friends starting at 10 a.m. with services to follow at 11 a.m.  Pastor Cheryl Mishler will officiate.  Private family inurnment will be at later date at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson.  Following services, there will be a pot luck luncheon to continue to celebrate Tammy's life.

A register book will be available to sign at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha September 24 and 25.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Tammy Torkelson Memorial Fund sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

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