George was born in Eldridge, N.D. and grew up in Alexandria, MN. Shirley was born in Tracy, MN and also grew up in Alexandria. They met in 1957 and were married in Minneapolis in 1961. Shirley graduated from the Northwestern Hospital School of Nursing. George graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
George and Shirley have lived in St. Cloud since 1971. It was important to them to have a thriving community in which to live and raise their children.
George was first introduced to the Central Minnesota Community Foundation in January 1993 when, as president of G.R Herberger’s Inc., he signed an agreement establishing the G.R. Herberger’s Foundation Fund.
George was very successful in his business career and retired as President and COO of G.R Herberger’s Inc. in 1994. George has served on the Board of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation and as Chairman of the Board.
In 1996, they decided to establish an endowed scholarship fund in honor of Shirley’s career as a nurse. The fund provides a scholarship for a career in nursing. Each year, a student pursuing a degree in nursing will benefit from their generosity.
George and Shirley have been extremely active in the community over the years. They decided to plan how their giving to the community could continue even after they are gone.
George and Shirley have made provisions in their Will to establish an endowed Torrey Family Fund at the CMCF which will continue to support charities that were important to them during their lifetime. The important role they played in the community will be remembered and their giving will impact future generations.
