In Loving Memory

Spencer Rand Torgerson

4/30/1973 — 9/20/2024

Partnered-Hearts

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Dr. Spencer Torgerson (1973-2024) was an incredible man with an open heart and desire to serve others. He truly had a “work hard, play hard” attitude toward life. While being incredibly hardworking, he also managed to bring joy to any task, big or small, with his fun personality.

Spencer Rand Torgerson, 51, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on September 20, 2024, leaving the hearts of everyone who knew him irreparably shattered.

He was born in Price, Utah, in 1973 to Rand and Judy Torgerson. He was loved deeply by his family and friends growing up, who spoke of his jovial nature and zest for life. Spencer loved skiing and playing sports. He graduated from Dixie High School in St. George, Utah, and served a mission in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where he blessed many lives by sharing his love of Jesus Christ.

Spencer loved his children more than anything in the world. He sacrificed greatly to make sure they got the care they needed. He always made sure they knew how proud he was of them, and each of them knew they had his unconditional love.

Spencer loved being a father, and he loved his new role as grandfather, or “Papa,” as his granddaughter Beatrice called him. She loved visits with him, and his adoration for her shone through in every interaction. She was the apple of his eye, and their special relationship will be cherished by her parents for years to come.

Spencer was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his Heavenly Father and Savior and dedicated his life to serving others. He thoroughly enjoyed serving in his ward and in the temple. He took his priesthood duties seriously and blessed many lives because of his dedication to God.

Spencer, originally a contractor and home builder, pivoted careers due to medical problems in his late 30s to become a dentist to support his family. He worked incredibly hard in school despite massive hardships, and came out the other side a caring and compassionate dentist. Spencer loved fixing smiles, and as everyone who knew him knows, his smile was infectious.

Spencer was preceded in death by his sister Anika and his nieces Ava and Ella. He is survived by his parents, Rand and Judy Torgerson; his siblings, Jennifer (Dale), Michael (Becky), Nathan (Hillary), and Sam (Lacey); his children, Natalee (Brent), Wesley (Makayla), McKay, and Brehnlee; his granddaughter, Beatrice; and so many other friends and family members who loved him dearly.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 11 AM at the LDS church building at 2700 E. Galveston St. Gilbert, Arizona 85295. Services will be live-streamed so that those who cannot attend in person may honor Spencer and remember his life.

Live Stream Link

In lieu of flowers, donations in Spencer’s name to The AzDA Cares Foundation would meaningfully honor Spencer’s legacy by helping to provide critical dental services to underserved populations, something Spencer was passionate about.

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Service

Saturday, September 28, 2024 · 11:00 AM

LDS Chapel 2700 E. Galveston St., Gilbert, AZ 85295

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Eric Manns

Spencer was the first friend I ever had when I moved to Utah from Ohio back in the spring of 82. They paired me with a student that they knew would help me in a new and scary location for a 9 year old. We became friends quik and stayed friends for many years until he moved away to St. George. Years later my mom came to me and asked me if I remember Spencer. Of course I did. He became her dentist in Chandler, Arizona. Such a small world. I was lucky to of met Spencer many years ago. I was heart broken to hear of his passing. I hope this message finds you in peace and comfort.

Rod and Glenda Ivie

Rand and Judy, we are so sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. We miss and love you, and pray the Lord will bless you with comfort and peace.

Steve and Janet Buchmiller

Dear Judy and Rand We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Spencer. We remember him well as a youth and young man in Price. We love your family and have many great memories. May you be blessed with peace and comfort at this time

H Drew

Spencer became not only my dentist, but my friend, which I’m certain all his patients have felt the same way. He treated my family with such kindness and warmth, I knew they were in good hands. We are heartbroken

Dani and Scott McHatton

Spencer was such an amazing man. He built our garage while he was in Dental School and his family and ours were very close. He would do anything for anybody. We will miss you Spencer. We love you.

Daniel L Johnson

Spener Torgerson served with me in the Guayaquil Ecuador North mission. He was a valiant and faithful servant of the Lord and blessed the lives of his fellow missionaries, the people that he served and loved, and me and my family. He was a leader in the mission and as one of my Assistants, I-relied greatly on his ability to teach and build other missionaries. Many of his former fellow missionaries, even those in Ecuador and the U.S. join my wife and me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to his children, parents, siblings, and other family members. The gospel that he so effectively taught and lived teaches all of us that he has returned home to his heavenly parents and will someday be reunited with his family and friends. The Spencer Torgerson who we have loved in life still lives and will, in a future day, be reunited with his resurrected and perfected body and live forever in a state of perfect joy and felicity. Our prayer and thoughts will be with his family at this sacred and tender time.

Brandy

Love and prayers for the Torgerson family. So sorry to hear of your loss. I can’t imagine what you all are going through. ❤️‍????❤️‍????

Larry and Janet Gordon

We send many hugs and prayers for the family during this most sad time. Spencer will be missed by so many. God bless you all. We are all grateful for the time we had with him and the domino effect he shared with the mankind.

Sallie Killian and family

I am so sorry to hear of Spencer’s passing. your family was so special to our family. Our friendship goes back along way as neighbors in Price. May you find peace and comfort.

Kevin & Rita Dunn

Rand, Judy, and family….we send our heartfelt sympathy. We are so very sorry that you and your family are having to face this earthly trial. We send our love and pray that you will find comfort in all the wonderful memories you shared with Spencer.

ChristiAnn

So thankful for Spencer, for his example, and for all of the fun memories we had growing up as cousins. He was always kind. We will miss him so much!

Connie Miller

Spencer was our neighbor and friend to my older sons. My love and prayers to his family. God bless all of you.

Angelica Gallegos

Having worked with Dr. Torgerson for a short while is all it took to know I was among one of the greats. One of the Saints that is. He was a man who was afflicted in life yet found the strength and courage to smile and encourage others with the same faith he lived by. Just a few weeks ago I heard his voice of encouragement in a time of personal struggle. We had not spoken, but through the Holy Spirit him and I shared in, I heard him say, “now live it out!” Those were the words he said to me a few months ago when he asked how I was doing and I honestly replied, “I don’t know what to do.” When he said, “Live it out,” He was referring to my faith. He knew my faith because I told him I had written a faith based devotional and without hesitation, he kindly purchased it. I was moved by his support. I had just met him. He was that kinda guy. He bought the entire office lunch on multiple occasions. I will always remember him for holding me accountable to practicing what I preach. I believe he knew that was my heart and I am convinced that’s what was in his. He spoke always of his love for his children and cared for them deeply. I’m forever grateful to have met this messenger of Christs love. I’m thankful to have a dental bridge that he crafted as my dentist and like his memory they both will remain with me for my lifetime. My deepest condolences to his children and family during this tragic loss. I am comforted by your salvation in Jesus Christ.

Soledad Sánchez

SOLEDAD AND CARMEN! We give you our sincere condolences infinitely, maybe we do not know each other but we had the fortune of knowing Dr. Spencer, that’s what my mother and I called him affectionately, he was a wonderful person, very kind and of course with a big heart, now he is in heaven, resting eternally, my mother and I cleaned his house when he needed it, he was always good, a great father, and we also met 3 of his children, Dr. Spencer helped me when I was leaving through a bad situation and without thinking he gave me his help, I would never finish saying how good he was and thanking him for what he did for me and my family, he always helped others, he deserves glory REST IN PAN DEAR DOCTOR WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU, SOLEDAD AND CARMEN.

ReGina Atkin

I met Spencer only once but I have known the Torgerson family for almost 20 years and my husband’s family is a life long friend. Spencer came from the best and I knew he was a remarkable individual because of how his family spoke about him and described him!! I’m so sorry this has happened and he was snatched away so quickly!! I send my love and prayers to the Torgerson family and all those hurting. How comforting it is to know that we live on after death and because of our Savior’s sacrifice we are eternal families!!

James Martineau

Spencer was a remarkable individual whose unwavering determination and kind-hearted nature left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. As a fellow dental student, I had the privilege of witnessing his relentless dedication to his studies and his ability to balance work, family, and church service with a grace that was nothing short of inspiring. Through it all, Spencer never failed to share a smile and an encouraging word with those around him, leaving a lasting impression that continues to motivate and uplift all who were fortunate enough to know him. To his family, please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Jackson Blair

I always loved the Torgerson family and Spencer was always the happiest guy. Ever time I was around him he was smiling. He will be missed

Debbie Hill

My brother (Wayne) served a mission with “Torgy” and as a result we all got a slew of amazing “little brothers.” Spencer was one of those. I have so many hilarious memories of those boys and their antics. My favorite was soon after he was married and for some reason he and my brother were sleeping near each other on the floor. At some point my brother woke up to Spencer rubbing his bum. I’m certain Jamie’s bum was nothing like Wayne’s but in his sleep….. those boys laughed at him for YEARS over that. We are sending prayers on your behalf as you transition into what life looks like with him gone. I anm absolutely certain that Wayne has some meat on the grill and the celebration in heaven is a real one!! Grateful for the knowledge that forever exists!!

Heidi Valente

I have met his daughter Natalee, and I want to give my sincere condolences. He sounds like such a wonderful person! I pray for the family to be filled with comfort, peace and hope in Christ.

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Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery