Joseph Toresdal, 90
Joseph M. Toresdahl, lovingly known as “Joe,” 90, passed away Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at Ava’s House, surrounded by attentive and compassionate care.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Heritage Funeral Home.
Joseph Merrill Toresdahl was born in 1935 to Sarah and Osmond Toresdahl in Huxley, Iowa. He grew up in Ames, Iowa, and graduated in 1953. After high school, he married Kay Hall, and they were blessed with three children, Laura, Mark, and Christopher.
Joe was a lover of all people; to know him was to be his friend. Joe also liked his Green Bay Packers and the Dodgers, and he loved playing golf and watching all sports. Joe also enjoyed fancy eyewear, pickled herring, and anything Norwegian. He always enjoyed a game of cribbage and cards or any card game with friends.
Joe worked in the optical business for 67 years. He moved to Sioux Falls in 1972 and opened and operated Dahl Optical in downtown Sioux Falls. When Joe sold his business, he continued to work for Eye-Site until the age of 83.
Joe is survived by his children, Laura Otsuka Toresdahl (Bruce) of Denver, Colo.; Mark Toresdahl (Cathy) of Antelope, California; and Chris Toresdahl (Michelle) of Gainesville, Ga.; his soulmate, Shelly Kolbeck of Brandon. He is survived by his brother, Luverne of Kennewick, Wash.; his sister-in-law, Julie Freeze; his grandchildren, Kenn (Andrea) Whittle of Denver, and Cheree Whittle of Lincoln, Neb.; and great-grandchildren Andrew, Scott, David, Jada, Joseph Jr., and Margarrett; his stepdaughter, Kim Chadwick; and stepson, Steve Nolte. Joe cherished all of his nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sarah and Osmond; his brother, Zeb of Ames, Iowa; sister, Liz of Marshalltown, Iowa; brother-in-law, Ray Freeze; grandson, Joey Sr. of Denver; Rosemary (Polly) Toresdahl; and Marlene (Nolte) Toresdahl.
Joe would like to thank all of his friends, family, and all those who loved him for their support, kindness, and friendship. Joe is grateful to the staff at Ava’s House and Dr. Sara Ruter at Sanford, who showed him so much kindness and treated him with care and dignity.
For online condolences, visit heritagesfsd.com.
