Tollef Mekkelson Rust Tollefson was born in the parish of Gol, Hallingdallen, Norway, on August 1, 1840. At the age of five years he emigrated with his parents to America, locating in Rock county, Wisconsin. In June, 1853, when twelve years of age, the family removed with the Clausen colony to Mitchell county, Iowa, where his father secured a farm one mile north from St. Ansgar, where Tollef lived for the next sixty years.
Mr. Tollefson was united in marriage on December 29, 1865, to Miss Aase J. Gilbertson. This union was blessed with seven children -- John M., George B., and Martin A., who reside near St. Ansgar; Jennie M. Halling of Minneapolis, Minn.; Matilda A. Donhowe of Story City, Iowa, and Henry N. of St. Paul, Minn. Lauritz A. passed from this life several years ago. Aase died in October, 1910.
Mr. Tollefson was well and favorably known throughout this part of the country. During his life time he filled many local offices of trust, for many years he was a member of the county Board of Supervisors and was at
all times closely connected with religious movements and enjoyed more than a usual acquaintance with the clergy of the Norwegian Lutheran churches of the northwest. He was social and genial in his nature and in his dealings with other men he sought to contribute to their happiness as much as secure his own.
Tollef M. Tollefson He regarded his friends highly and that friendship was based one upon common sympathies and congeniality of temper and disposition. The close of a life well spent, like the setting sun, reflects back on influence on the world behind. We shall not intrude upon the domestic circle to speak of him as a husband and father. In his home entered his greatest interest, and to his family was given his tenderest thoughts and warmest affections. No words of sympathy can mitigate the grief of that family, or repair the loss they have sustained. How truly it has been written that the lives of good men are never properly comprehended until we contemplate them in the solitude of God's green acre.
Tollef was an active member of the Norwegian Lutheran church for over fifty years.
Then, on Good Friday evening, March 21, 1913, at 8 o'clock, Mr. Tollef M. Tollefson passed away at his home one mile north from St. Ansgar. He was surrounded by his family of children and near relatives.
Mr. Tollefson, although not an advocate of the doctrine of fatalism, regarded a certain day of each week as an eventful one for him. He was born on Friday, married on Friday, had his severe surgical operation (twenty-three years ago) on Friday, returned home on Friday, and had often expressed the opinion that he would pass from this life on that day. And it came to pass.
The funeral services were held at the Norwegian Lutheran church, in St. Ansgar, on Monday, March 24, and were conducted by Rev. Waldeland. The attendance was so great that a large number of people were unable to gain admittance to the edifice.
People came from far and near to pay a parting tribute to the dead and assist in the last sad rites. After the ceremonies the procession formed and moved to the Norwegian Lutheran cemetery, where all that is mortal of our old friend and neighbor now rests in peace.
(Article was based on Tollef's extensive obituary.)
Web-published on IaGenWeb May 7, 2005
Copyright 2005 -- K.L. Kittleson