Peter O. Torstenson

MADISON - Peter Olaf Torstenson, 45, of Madison, Wis., died unexpectedly on Thursday, December 11, 2025. He was born August 17, 1980, the son of Dorothea Torstenson and Ordean L. Torstenson, who preceded him in death in 2010.

Peter graduated from Edgewood High School and continued his education at St. Olaf College, Madison College, and the University of Wisconsin. A chef by training and vocation, Peter graduated from Le Cordon Bleu in 2005, finishing at the top of his class.

Peter brought craftsmanship and artistry to the culinary arts. In addition to Madison, he lived and worked in Minneapolis, serving as a Sous Chef at Wolfgang Puck at the Walker Art Center, before returning home to Madison to work as Sous Chef at Forequarter, and Head Chef at The Heights.

Peter was an intellectual with wide-ranging interests that included politics, sociology, psychology, and history. He loved thoughtful conversation and had a knack for making discussions both engaging and meaningful. Friends and family often turned to him for movie recommendations, trusting his excellent taste and genuine enthusiasm for film. He also took quiet pride in his daily New York Times Wordle streak with his mother, delighting in the small ritual and challenge. Peter’s sharp mind, curiosity, and distinctive perspective left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Peter held Madison Christian Community close to his heart; the friendships and memories he made there were formative, and the community remained important to him. He loved gathering with friends to watch the Badgers and the Packers, especially when playing the Vikings. He also loved the outdoors, and nowhere more than with the family at Oxbow Lake in northern Wisconsin, where he delighted in swimming even when the water was brisk and no one else wanted to join him.

Peter is survived by his mother, Dorothea; his siblings, Tanya LeMay (Craig LeMay), Jeffrey Torstenson (Faye Torstenson), and Christopher Torstenson (Aliza Goldberg); and his nephew and niece, Nick and Alex (children of Jeff and Faye). He adored Loki (Chris and Aliza’s dog), Griffin (Tanya and Craig’s dog), and Kristof and Nala (Jeff and Faye’s dogs). Peter leaves behind a wide circle of friends who loved him fiercely and will miss him deeply.

A memorial service will be held at MADISON CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY, 7118 Old Sauk Road, Madison, at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Visitation will be held at the church from 2 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A reception will follow the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Madison Christian Community (MCC) or to Underdog Pet Rescue (Madison, Wis.), in Peter’s honor. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

608) 831-6761