Torrens, Ralph E. Age 87 Ralph E. Torrens passed away at his home in Paso Robles, CA, on February 23, 2013. Ralph was born in Wahoo, NE, September 1925 to Leonard and Evelyn Torrens and graduated from Wahoo High School in 1942. Shortly after graduation, Ralph enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served with the U.S. Marine 5th Division, 3rd Tankers Battalion. His tank battalion was among the first to land in the battle for Iwo Jima (February 19 – March 26, 1945). Ralph went on to serve with the occupying forces on mainland Japan. In June 1947, Ralph married Marilyn Johnson of Omaha. They were married for 51 years, until Marilyn’s death in 1998. Ralph graduated from the University of Nebraska in 1951 with a degree in Architectural Engineering. His working career was spent as a Civil Engineer in the U.S. Civil Service at Offutt AFB in Bellevue. Ralph was active throughout his career and retirement in the National Association of Professional Engineers (NSPE), to include holding the position of President of the Nebraska Chapter. He was very active in his Christian community, having served in many leadership capacities, including counselor for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He held many leadership roles in Wheeler Memorial Presbyterian Church in Omaha and Templeton Presbyterian Church in Paso Robles, to include a role as Elder at both churches. He was a lifetime member of the Optimists Club of America, especially active in the Bellevue chapter, where he had a major role in the establishment of the youth basketball league. Ralph was very proud of his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and was a member of several Marine Corps organizations and reunion groups. He was an avid golfer up until his death, and an enthusiastic spectator of all college and professional sports. In 2003, he moved to California and married Esther Torrens. Ralph and his wry sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him. Ralph leaves a large and loving family: wife, Esther Torrens; children, Lee and Candace Torrens, Missoula, MT, Barbara and Bill Ellis, Tucson, AZ, and Deborah and Phillip Gardner, Alexandria, VA; grandchildren, Jacob Torrens, Sara Prince, Nicholas and Matthew Ellis, Rebecca Bauckman and Lindsay Newman. He also leaves great grandchildren, Addison Prince, Charlie and Piper Bauckman, and Olivia and Callie Newman; and Esther’s children, Annemarie Torrens Huyck and Bradley Torrens; and 4 more step grandchildren. Ralph was predeceased by his first wife, Marilyn Torrens; sister, Joyce Torrens; brother, John Torrens; and his granddaughter, Aimee Elizabeth Torrens. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE will be held at the Bellevue Memorial Funeral Chapel at 2202 Hancock Street at 2pm on Saturday, March 23. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations made in Ralph’s name may be sent to the Semper Fi Fund at www.semperfifund.org/donate or 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057.
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