TOLLEFSON, Andrew M. 1850-1903

TOLLEFSON, ROE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 11/3/2009 at 14:28:44

Andrew M. Tollefson 1850-1903

This community was called upon to suffer another shock when the tolling of the church bell last Saturday morning announced the death of one of our esteemed citizens, A. M. Tollefson. Mr. Tollefson was in town last Wednesday but not feeling well and saw Dr. Culmsee. Thursday they telephoned the Dr. that he was worse and Dr. Culmsee went out; on Friday Dr. Culmsee called Dr. Nissen of Albert Lea in consultation. The Doctors diagnosed his case as stoppage of the bowels and on account of the weak condition of his heart he was not able to withstand the ravages of the disease long, and passed away a little after twelve o'clock Friday night.

Andrew M. Tollefson was born on August 26, 1850, on Rock Prairie, Wisconsin, and died after a brief illness April 25, 1903.

In 1853 at the early age of 3 years he removed with his parents to Mitchell County, Iowa, and thus for fifty years was identified with the best interests of the county becoming one of the earliest settlers of St. Ansgar.

In 1879 he was united in marriage to Miss Margith Roe, with whom he lived happily for 24 years. They were blessed with five children four of whom are living: Mrs. J. O. Solheim of Goodhue, Minn., Mary, Growe and Ruth who are living at home.

Mr. Tollefson was a quiet, industrious and peaceable man who won the estimation and friendship of all with whom he became acquainted.

He had a strong desire to give his children a good education and was a faithful husband, a loving father, a dear friend and a good neighbor. His untimely death is mourned by a large circle of acquaintanses and his place in the community will be hard to fill.

The funeral was held at the N. L. Church of which he was an honored member. Tuesday afternoon at two o'clock the services were conducted by Rev. J. Olson and Rev. M. E. Waldeland and his remains were laid to rest in the N. L. cemetery.

[Submitted to IaGenWeb 2005, Don Grell]