Reverend M. Eugene Tollefson, age 79, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2010, at Nye Pointe in Fremont.
Eugene was born to Melvin and Lucile (Schaaf) Tollefson in Madison, South Dakota, January 12, 1931. In 1949 he graduated from Manuel High School in Kansas City. After graduating high school, he attended Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, and graduated in 1953. Eugene then attended Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Illinois. Upon graduating from Augustana Seminary in 1957, Eugene was ordained the same year in Omaha.
His first parish was in Wakefield, Michigan. He also served in a parish in Tolley, North Dakota, where he met and married Barbara (Craig) June 26, 1966 in Springfield, Illinois. He then officiated in Great Bend, Kansas, moving to Wausa, Nebraska, where he officiated at Thabor Lutheran Church. During his time in Wausa, Eugene and Barbara took a trip to the Holy Land. Eugene served for two years in Hooper, Nebraska, retiring in 1997 and moving to Fremont.
Eugene spent a total of 53 years as an ordained reverend, and 40 years of active service.
He loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to fish and enjoyed gardening and relaxing outside. He loved to sing and was a member of the Messiah Choir at Bethany College. Eugene was also a member of the “Sons of Norway”.
Preceded in death by;
Wife Barbara
Parents Melvin and Lucile Tollefson, and brother Noel
Survived by;
Daughters: Denise Stevens of Fremont, Cheryl (Kent) Henderson of Fremont
Sons: David Tollefson of Fremont, Craig (Michelle) Tollefson of Loveland, Colorado.
Grandchildren;
Barbara and Anita Stevens, Emmalee and Hannah Henderson, Kaitlyn Tollefson
Memorials can be made to Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont.
Visitation: Friday, July 9, 2010, at Dugan Funeral Chapel from 4-8 PM with family present from 6-8 PM
Funeral Service: 10:00 AM Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Sinai Lutheran Church in Fremont
Interment: Memorial Cemetery in Fremont
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