John Tornga

John Albert Tornga, 94, of Ellsworth, passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2021 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire.  He was born on November 21, 1926 in Banks Township, MI, the son of Nicholas and Alyda (Meyer) Tornga.

John was a lifelong resident of Ellsworth.  He served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946.  On March 26, 1945, he married the love of his life, Grace McElroy, in Ellsworth.  Together, they raised their family, and he worked as a finish carpenter.  He took great pride in his work and he was well respected for his attention to detail.  He and Grace tended their large vegetable garden, camped all around Northern Michigan, and enjoyed bus trips later in life.  John cherished every chance he got to hold any of his grandbabies.

John is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Grace Tornga; his daughter, Judy Jaratz of Central Lake; four grandchildren, Laray (Jim) Barraw of Ellsworth, Shelly (Peter) Jenkins of Caledonia, Kelly (Dawson) Matter of Charlevoix, and Steven (Rhonda) Tornga of Ellsworth; twelve great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nicholas and Alyda Tornga; his son, Steve Tornga; two brothers, Clarence Tornga and Jake Tornga; and two sisters, Jeanette Groot and Helen Henderson.

Interment will take place at Ellsworth Cemetery in the Spring of 2021.

Arrangements are in the care of the Ellsworth Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com