Tollefson, Robert, Rev. Dr. (1927-2018)

TOLLEFSON, PHILLIPS, GOUDSCHAAL, ROBINSON, BLESSING, ERICKSON, KASE

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 5/18/2021 at 17:36:24

Rev. Dr. Robert "Bob" Tollefson
April 6, 1927 - September 6, 2018

Rev. Dr. Robert "Bob" Tollefson, age 91, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died on Thursday, September 6, 2018, at the Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake.

Robert John Tollefson was born on April 6, 1927, in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, to Herbert and Karn Tollefson. Raised in Cloverton, Minnesota, he graduated from high school in 1944. From 1945 to 1946, he served in the US Navy and in the Naval Reserves through 1956. His walk with God began in the Navy. A sailor noticed a Gideon New Testament in Bob’s pocket and invited him to join a Bible study. Bible study, memorizing scripture, Navigators, Youth for Christ, and seminary grounded him in his love of Jesus.

Eventually, Bob earned a degree from Michigan Tech in Electrical Engineering, a Bachelor of Divinity and a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Seminary, and a PhD from the University of Iowa. Ordained in 1955 as a Minister in the Presbyterian Church, he first served small parishes, then worked on his doctorate in 17th Century British Thought with a minor in History so that he could teach. He married Barbara Jean Phillips on August 29, 1950.

From 1960 to 1992, Robert taught religion and philosophy at Buena Vista (College). A year sabbatical in the late 1970s, however, took him, Barbara, Priscilla, and Jeff to Cambridge, England, where he worked as a visiting scholar. After he retired as professor emeritus of religion and philosophy, his children, the Buena Vista University community, Prospect Hill Presbytery, and many friends worked to establish the Tollefson Reformed Lecture Series. Many outstanding scholars participated through many years. Next after retiring, he and Barbara had the opportunity to serve at Sheldon Jackson College, Sitka, Alaska, for five academic years, Bob as a visiting scholar while Barbara worked in the library.

Active in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at all levels, Bob served as a hospital trustee and on several other organizations in Storm Lake: the BV County Peace Network, the local area Arts Council, the Advisory Council on Environmental Concerns, the local public schools Citizens Advisory Council and Curriculum Committee, and the Kiwanis – as a local and regional officer and member of international committees. He belonged to the American Academy of Religion, the American Society of Church History, the Society for the History of Technology, the Institute of Society, Ethics and Life Sciences, the Humanities and Technological Association, and the National Association for Science, Technology, and Society. Listed as an outstanding educator, he received several other professional honors and awards, wrote reviews of books and articles, and read extensively. The Order of Cumberland and Tollefson was established in 1994 in honor of these two professors who taught at BV for over thirty years and during the tenures of three presidents. The recognition goes to professors with exceptional service to the University.

Bob loved to garden, which gave him an opportunity to think. He yearned for a world at peace with respect and acceptance of all people. He developed a deep concern for the social and environmental problems facing our global village. Moreover, he had an uncanny ability to prick the tranquility of undisturbed souls. Committed to excellence, to the development of the whole person, he strove to awaken in students a sense of feeling and better understanding of the global village through the discussion Biblical materials.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, in 2009; his parents; his sister, Rose; and his nephew, Larry Peterson. He is survived by his children: Rebecca Tollefson, of Columbus, Ohio, Elizabeth (Roger) Goudschaal, of Tripoli, Iowa, Priscilla (Dan) Robinson, of Storm Lake, Iowa, and Jeff (Kristie) Tollefson, of Alta, Iowa; his grandchildren: Sara (Terry) Blessing, Grant Goudschaal, and Alan and Dustin Robinson; three great-granddaughters: Aria, Edith, and Ada; and his nieces, Karen Erickson and Quinita Kase. For him, family stretched beyond the biological bonds to embrace step-children, a former foster daughter, her daughter, and granddaughter.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, September 17, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at the Schaller Memorial Chapel on the campus of Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Robert Tollefson Memorial Fund and sent to 510 Angier Drive, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588. The Tollefson family wishes to thank you for your support and love.

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Homes, Storm Lake, Iowa, 2018.

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