Wendell A. Torrance, 89, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away at 12:00 a.m., Monday, March 17, 2025 at Azria Health Prairie Ridge in Mediapolis, Iowa. He was born on November 28, 1935 in rural Warren County, Illinois, the son of the late Carl and Ruby Torrance. He married Marjorie Morris on August 24, 1956 in the Methodist Church in Biggsville, Illinois and she preceded him in death on February 6, 2019.
Surviving Wendell are his two sons, Greg (Debbie) of Pekin, Illinois and Eric (Tammy) of Burlington, Iowa; four grandchildren, Heather (Chris) Lebow of Willis, Texas, Chelsea (Keith) DeSelms of Portland, Oregon, Katie Torrance of Missouri and Jared Torrance of Burlington, Iowa; four great-grandchildren, Hanna, Hadly and William Lebow and Jaiden Jakab; brother, Duane of Macomb, Illinois; sister, Darlys (Jack) Pugh of Colombus Jct., Iowa. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Marjorie; son, Randy; daughter-in-law, Melody and one sister, Ramona Matthews.
He graduated from Sunnyridge Grade School in southeastern Henderson County in 1950 and Media High School in 1954. He attended Western Illinois University for two years on an academic scholarship and then worked for the Burlington Railroad in Galesburg and Chicago for 11 years. HE later returned to college and graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1968 with a BS Degree in Elementary Education. He continued his education by earning his Masters Degree in Educational Administration in 1971 and in 1974 earned the Superintendents Endorsement (specialist degree), both from Illinois State University.
He worked as as a school administrator in several school districts in west central Illinois from 1968 through 1997, including Senachwine Grade School in Putnam, DePue, Atkinson, Orion and the Southern School District in Henderson County where he served as District School Superintendent for his last 8 years before retirement in June 1997.
He held numerous offices and memberships in various organizations, including those of an educational affiliation, as well as membership in the Galesburg Christian Church where he served on the Caring Ministry Committee and membership in the First Christian Church in Burlington, Iowa.
He was an avid fan of most sports and particularly enjoyed watching his sons and grandchildren participate in activities. He enjoyed watching Men’s and Women’s college level sports, particularly in BIG 10 athletics. He enjoyed woodworking, travel and time spent with family members and friends.
After retiring from public education in 1997 he served as an instructor at Carl Sandburg College for three semesters. He and his wife worked as Tour Escorts for Payless Tours from February 1998 to December 2013.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the funeral home. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Raritan Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Raritan Cemetery Fund to aid in the purchase of additional land for burial purposes. Moore Memorial Home, Roseville, is handling the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit our website at www.moorememorial.com.
