Gaylord Oliver Tollefson

Gaylord Oliver Tollefson, age 85, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away January 2, 2023. Gaylord was born March 5, 1937, in Austin, Minnesota, to Oliver and Clara (Lostegaard) Tollefson. He was baptized and confirmed at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church. Gaylord attended country school and graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1955. Following graduation, Gaylord entered the United States Army on June 21, 1955, proudly serving his country until he was honorably discharged on April 2, 1958. He was united in marriage to Marilyn Robinson on September 4, 1955, at the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. The couple moved to Texas, where Gaylord worked in the hospitality industry until 1993, when they returned to Blooming Prairie. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie, the American Legion, and a past member of the Blooming Prairie Masonic Lodge 123. He enjoyed playing cards and games, woodworking, and traveling. Gaylord will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife Marilyn Tollefson of Blooming Prairie, MN; daughter, Jacqueline (Keven Nelson) Friesner of Blooming Prairie, MN; four grandchildren, Greg Friesner, Josh (Heidi) Friesner, Nathan Friesner, and Leah Tollefson; six great grandchildren, Joshua “JJ,” Jr., Autumn, Sadie, Garrison, Emily, and Ethan; sisters, Orlie Grant of Blooming Prairie, MN, and Elizabeth “Betty” Bonnigen of Rochester, MN; and close friends, Marion and Joan Mast. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Clara Tollefson; sons, Jeffrey and John Tollefson; son-in-law, LuVern Friesner; and sisters, Frances (Bud) Engen and Diane Dodd.