Zane L. Torrence

Zane Lee Torrence, age 85, passed away at home in Osceola with his family by his side on Thursday evening, February 25, 2021. Zane was born June 13, 1935 to the late Charles R. and Ila (Walker) Torrence in Mishawaka, Indiana. Zane met and fell in love with Shirley C. Borton and they later married on February 6, 1965. They recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. 

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Shirley Torrence of Osceola, his daughter Sheryl (Jerry) Poronsky of Jackson, Michigan, his son Zane Gregory Torrence of Mishawaka and his brother Elmo Torrence of Peru, Indiana.  Also surviving are his grandchildren Michael Swald and Dawn (Garrett) Johnson and his great grandchildren Blake and Austin Elkins.   Zane was preceded in death by his son Michael Dean Torrence and his siblings Wayne, Raymond, Richard and Dean Torrence, Gail Gohn, Naomi Moore, and Barbara Midday.

A celebration of Zane’s life will be held from 3-5 pm Saturday, March 6, 2021 at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola. 

Zane spent eighteen years on the road as a salesman for Michiana Wholesale. Zane lived his life as a true risk taker.  He took a chance and purchased a small lot in Osceola which became Zane’s Auto Sales where he utilized his old-fashioned values to serve his community as a fair and honest businessman for over 45 years.  During that time, he and Shirley also owned Zane’s Friendly Mart for 4 years and later Zane and Shirley’s Coffee Pot in Osceola for several years as well.  When he wasn’t busy working, Zane enjoyed gambling at the casinos and spending time with his family and friends.

Zane will be remembered as an outgoing and outspoken character.  He loved caring for his community and socializing with the many loyal customers he met through his auto dealership. Many of those customers became lifelong friends to the Torrence family. 

He will also be remembered for his generosity to others.  He donated often to various charities without question whenever asked. In the spirit of Zane’s generosity, the Torrence family suggests a donation in his memory to the charity of the donor’s choice in lieu of flowers.  

To leave an online condolence, light a virtual candle in Zane’s memory, or share a story of his life, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above. 

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