Submitted by: Dan Rich

William A. Torok Sr.

July 30, 1928 - January 25, 2002

South Bend Tribune 1/28/2002

William A. "Wild Bill" Torok Sr., 73, of South Bend, passed away Friday morning January 25, 2002 in his home with family by his side. He was born July 30, 1928 in South Bend to the late Nichlos and Mary (Berio) Torok.

On July 28, 1945, in South end he married the former Catherine M. Miltenberger, who died in 1992. Surviving him are his daughters, Mary K. Pauwels (Robert) of Hobart, Ind., Joan M. Bradley (Jeffery) of New Carlisle, Ind., and Beverly R. Seach (Patrick) of South Bend; his son, William A. Torok Jr. (Kris) of Granger, Ind.; six grandchildren, Pamela, Anthony, Penny, Scott, Tenille, and Tara; four great grandchildren, Cassandra, Zowie, Ethan, and Lauren; and a brother, Albert E. Torok (Elizabeth) of South Bend.

Mr. Torok was the founder and president of Torok excavating and Demolition Inc. Previous to starting his business he worked at Drewerys, Uniroyal (Ball Band) and Studebaker's. He began his business in 1950 and worked till his retirement in 1997, it is believed he received his nickname from the operation of his heavy equipment. Bill was true to his believes and was an outspoken man of Hungarian Heritage, and believed in family and especially his children whom he helped through there lives. He is going to be missed by many people and his loving family.

Bill was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church where a Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 29, 2002, with Rev. Michael Belinsky C.S.C. officiating. Entombment will be in Riverview Cemetery. He was a member of St. Joseph Lodge 45 F&AM, Scottish Rite Valley of South Bend, Orak Shrine of Michigan City, Avalon Grotto, Clay Democratic Club, and was a prior member of the William Penn Club. Friends are invited to call in the Welsheimer North Funeral Home, 17033 East Cleveland Rd. Monday January 28 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Masonic Service will be held at p.m. in he Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Shrine Children's Hospital, Hospice of St. Joseph County, or the National Kidney Foundation.