Thomas Tollefson

Thomas Crouch Tollefson, the only child of Murald and Margaret (Crouch) Tollefson, was born on August 12, 1931, in Minneapolis, MN.  Tom graduated from Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in 1949.  He then enlisted into the United States Army from 1951 until 1953.  After his service in the Army, Tom obtained his Bachelor’s Degree of Arts from the University of Minnesota in 1955.  Tom worked as an engineer with Sperry from 1956 to 1986 when he retired.

Tom loved to travel around the country.  He liked traveling on the back roads through small towns and communities, taking photographs and developing them by himself to remember all of his adventures.  He liked to read and continually educate himself.  Tom was a connoisseur of food and an excellent cook who loved to make homemade soups.  Some of the memories of Tom will be his bright colored cardigan sweaters, which brought out his bright blue eyes, and going out for breakfast, lunch and dinner every Saturday and Sunday.  Other memories will be his love for pickles, black coffee, and Tom watching movies from 1950 or earlier while smoking his pipe.

Tom was a kind, understanding, patient, and loving man.  He loved everyone unconditionally and always had a positive outlook on life.  He was a mentor to those who knew him because of his work ethic, organizational and motivational skills, and his brilliant mind.  He will forever be remembered and loved by all who knew him.

Thomas C. Tollefson died on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at his home in Grand Arbor.  He is survived by his daughter Karen Tollefson of Eagen, MN; Longtime Companion DeNeil Holloway of Alexandria; and his special niece, Larissa Cowper of Alexandria.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2018 from 11 AM until 1 PM at the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel in Alexandria, MN.

Full military honors accorded by Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post 87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 936, and the Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 235.

Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net