Ted) Theodore James Torgerson, 74, passed away on March 10, 2026, at his home in North Fort Myers, Florida, where he and his wife Janet (Rankin) Tingley-Torgerson reside. Ted's parents were Perry Bernice and Adeline Emma (Diesterhaft) Torgerson. Ted was born October 24, 1951, in Cumberland, Wisconsin. His family lived in Almena, Wisconsin before moving to Cary, Illinois, when he was three. Ted graduated from Cary Grove High School in 1969. He loved sports and played basketball and baseball, coached girls’ softball, was in a bowling league, darts league and was a football enthusiast! Ted also participated in musical productions and choir while in High School. He was a lifelong Cubs, Bears, and Bulls Fan!! Ted's favorite job was working as a Harness Racing Official. He got his start as an Assistant Paddock Judge at the Springfield State Fair and went on to work at Quad City Downs, Maywood, Sportsman's, Balmoral, Fairmont Parks, and for Hawthorne Racecourse. Ted was able to work last year for the summer racing program at the Illinois State Fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin. Ted’s career as a Harness Racing official spanned over 50 years. When he wasn't working at the track, he was a Construction Carpenter, working for Gary Richards and Associates. They built and remodeled many homes in Clark and Crawford Counties and a few in Indiana. They always became like family at every job they worked on. He had an incredible bond with Gary and Kent and the rest of the crew. Even though Ted did not grow up in Clark County, he was well known, liked, and respected by many. Ted lived a full and active life until his Cancer diagnosis in April of 2024. He sailed through treatments with a positive attitude and often witnessed and prayed for those sitting next to him in the treatment room. Ted continued his walking and physical therapy pushing through the side effects. After treatments ended on September 11, 2024, he was in remission.Ted is sadly missed by his family; his beloved wife, Janet; Ted's children by marriage that he loved like his own; Amy Tingley-Highsmith, Alison (JR) Tingley-Armstrong, and Adam (Emily) Tingley; his grandchildren; August, Aubrey, Hutton, and Oliver Highsmith; Taylor, Mitch, and Levi Armstrong; Mack and Kimber Tingley; his mother-in-law, Veda Rankin; his sister, Ruth Ann Isaacs, and brother Robert (Gwen) Torgerson; brother-in-law, John (Sara) Rankin; sister-n-law, Joetta (Steve) Rankin-Mattis; many nieces, nephews and their families. Ted was proceeded in death by his, parents; grandparents; father-in-law, Jerry Rankin; brother-in-laws Ron Isaacs and Jack Rankin; an aunt, uncles and cousins; as well as his grandson, Hudson Theodore Highsmith. Ted loved each and every one of them beyond words."Ted was among the 2%ers, you know, the 2% of the really genuine, good guys!” He truly loved his family and his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The family requests in lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, please make a contribution to Ted will always be remembered as a “stand-up guy”, a friend to all. As one friend said, your favorite charity or local hospice program. The Memorial Service for Ted will be held June 6, 2026, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 E. Colorado Ave., Casey, IL. Visitation will start at 2:00 pm (CST), with a service beginning at 3:30 pm (CST). Online condolences are being accepted at peqrcefuneralservices.com.