Alita Torke

May 23, 2018

Alita Marie Torke was born on April 24th, 1975 in Granite Falls, MN the daughter of Orlen Torke and Imogene Sunderland. She was baptized August 24, 1975 at Granite Falls Lutheran Church in Granite Falls, MN. September 22, 1975, at the age of 5 months, Alita suffered from viral meningeal encephalitis resulting in cerebral palsy. Alita was cared for at home between hospital stays until further intensive therapy was needed. Alita graduated June 5th, 1997 from Bridgeview K-12, in St Paul, MN. In 2001 Alita made her home at ACR Homes in New Brighton. Here she made many friends and gained extended family. Alita’s eyes sparkled, her smile lit up the room and her laugh was contagious. Alita was a social butterfly. She had a more active social life than many and she enjoyed every moment. She was grateful and thankful for each day. Alita inspired others. She taught us to enjoy what was truly important in life. She opened our eyes to diversity and hearts to understanding. She demonstrated the highest level of perseverance and inner strength, love of life and the most important, unconditional love. In October 2017 Alita was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Through this diagnosis, Alita continued to share her strength and enthusiasm for life. Alita was called from this life on May 23rd, 2018 in her home in New Brighton, MN. Alita is survived by her father Orlen (Sande) Torke of Hanley Falls, MN; Step-father Kent Sunderland of Montevideo, MN; Siblings Karla Torke of Sarasota, FL, Brenda Karston of Belle Plaine, MN, Cody (Jenna) Torke of Waconia, MN and Beau Torke of Belview, MN; nieces Jesi (Nick) Rau of Herzogenaurach, Germany, Krystal (Patrick) O’Shea of Spring, TX and Jayde Karston of Belle Plaine, MN; nephews Caleb Torke and Caden Torke of Waconia, MN; grandnephews Drake Rau of Herzogenaurach, Germany, Kieran and Merric O’Shea of Spring, TX; grandniece Emery Rau of Herzogenaurach, Germany. Alita is proceeded in death by her mother, Imogene Sunderland; brother, David Torke; grandparents Wallace and Mildred Odegard. Otis and Bernice Torke; uncles Bruce Torke and Douglas Chapman; aunts Sherry Torke and Jennifer Odegard.