Dan Torgersen.

RIVER FALLS, Wis.—Dan Torgersen, an optical industry veteran, passed away at his home here on January 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. Born and raised in Minnesota, Torgersen devoted his career to the optical industry, primarily at Walman Optical, where he worked for 20 years from 1992 until his retirement in 2012. While at Walman, he contributed to national and international standards for safety and consistency. He also established a consulting business for expert legal testimony.

Torgersen was inducted into the Vision Council's Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2006. The Optical Pioneers Hall of Fame honors individuals for their contributions to the optical laboratory industry. 

Additionally, Torgersen was awarded the Optical Laboratories Association Director's Choice Award in 2009, as reported in VMAIL. Torgersen served as the OLA technical director for 15 years.

“Dan was a trusted and valued member of the Walman leadership team during the period of dynamic growth and diversification for our company,” Walman Optical CEO Marty Bassett told VMAIL. “He provided technical expertise for Walman, and the broader industry, that allowed for the introduction of new lens materials and enhanced lens processing techniques. Dan was a tireless worker that brought humility and humor to his job, his hobbies and his family. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Dan and to have his guidance and perspective during our time together at Walman.”

Torgersen retired on January 6, 2012, embracing hobbies including music, travel, enjoying the family’s lake home and spending time with family. He dedicated fall weekends to deer hunting with his sons and spent time during the winter with his wife Mary in Cozumel, Mexico, where they enjoyed SCUBA diving and their favorite restaurants.

“Throughout his career, he created many lifelong friendships and looked forward to hearing about what was happening in the industry long after his retirement,” said Torgersen’s son, Neil, who has followed in his dad’s footsteps and currently works as national manager of AR operations at Walman. “He would always ask about his old friends during his conversations with me. I was often the messenger for many 'say hello to you dad from me’ messages from his friends in the industry. He was a devoted father, prioritizing family above all else. Despite his frequent travel for work, including domestic and international meetings, his home was always with his family at our home in Clearwater, Minn.”

Torgersen is survived by wife Mary, sons Kurt (Carrie) and Neil (JoEllyn) and grandchildren Francesca, Emmeline, Caleb and Analeigh. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 3:30 p.m. at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd Street) in River Falls, Wis. A visitation will also be held on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asked people to consider making a donation to Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue in Hudson, Wis. or to a charity of their choosing.