TOLLEFSON, Alfred Lauritz 1881-1916

TOLLEFSON, FEDSON

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 12/20/2009 at 17:42:49

Alfred L. Tollefson

Alfred Lauritz Tollefson was born near St. Ansgar, Iowa on November 13, 1881. He was baptized in infancy and confirmed at the age of fifteen by Reverend J. Olson there upon becoming a member of the Lutheran Church.

Alfred grew to manhood at the place of his birth, receiving his education in the public schools and the St. Ansgar Seminary.

In 1903 he came to St. Ansgar and was interested in the Farm Implement business for about two years, during which time he made his home with his brother, C. T. Tollefson and family.

On November 18, 1905 he was united in marriage with Miss Adel A. Fedson. His parents being ready to retire, these young people purchased the old homestead north-east of St. Ansgar. For seven years this was their home. Three years ago Alfred sold this farm and bought one of St. Ansgar’s grain elevators. Until the time of his death he was engaged in the grain and stock business and kindred lines of work.

Several years ago Alfred had a severe though short illness. Off and on since that time he had similar attacks. If Alfred suffered much or all of the time during those years, his desire to save his loved ones from worry kept him silent, so this fatal attack of appendicitis came unexpectedly to all.

Everything possible for skilled physical and nurses to do was done. Both science and loved ones were powerless to save him and Alfred passed away Saturday morning, May 6, [1916] at the age of thirty-four years, five months and twenty-three days.

The funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon. At the home, Dr. Gist, who ten and a half years ago performed the marriage ceremony, spoke words of consolation. Reverend Galbreth, as friend and neighbor, spoke feelingly for the business and social associates of Alfred. At the church the services were fittingly conducted by Reverend Waldeland and Reverend Helm, a visiting pastor. The services were concluded by the interment in the family lot in the St. Ansgar Cemetery. The tribute of song by the Dahl Brothers at all services and the beautiful duet at the church were a source of sweet comfort.

He leaves to mourn his loss besides his loving wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Tollefson, his bothers C. T. and M. G. Tollefson, his sister Mrs. George Halvorson, together with their families, his wife’s mother, sister and brother, and other relatives, many neighbors and a host of friends.

Although a man of few words, his life was eloquent in his thoughtfulness of others, his honest business dealings, his love and service to his fellows, a good son, a loving brother, a kind true friend, and a most devoted husband, Alfred in his quiet gentle way found a place in the hearts of all who knew him and all today mourn the loss of this truly good man.

[St. Ansgar Enterprise, dated 1916 – St. Ansgar Museum Collections]