Front page article in Thief River Falls Times on 30 August 1945: ?Accidental Gun Discharge Kills Smiley Youth, 10 / Willis D. Torkelson Dies in Local Hospital Early Saturday?: Willis Duane Torkelson, 10, died early Saturday at a local hospital from the effects of a wound sustained Friday evening when hit in the head by a bullet from an accidentally discharged rifle at the farm home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Torkelson, in Smiley township.

Born May 31, 1935, Willis was baptized at the St. Pauli church, where he also attended Sunday school. During the past year he attended school in Thief River Falls. Surviving his death, in addition to his parents, are three sisters and three brothers: Marion, Wallace, Marvin, Jeraldine [sic], Wahna and Faye. Also surviving are his grandfather, Ole Torkelson, six aunts and one uncle. Funeral rites were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the Torkelson home and at St. Pauli church. Rev. C. P. Fjelstad officiating, and interment was in the St. Pauli cemetery.?