Donald Tollefson

Donald Tollefson, 81, of Baxter, passed away at home on Friday, April 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, April 30th, at 11:00AM at First Presbyterian Church, in Brainerd, with Pastor Steven Snipstead officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veteran's Cemetery, Little Falls on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 11:00AM.

Donald Lee Tollefson was born to Elmer and Laura (Bock) Tollefson on October 17,
1933 in Nokay Lake Township. He was a life- long resident of Brainerd, graduating from
Brainerd High School in 1951. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, Don
returned to Brainerd. He married the love of his life, Joan Bailey, on January 12, 1957 at First Presbyterian Church. Don was a journeyman carpenter for 17 years before accepting a position teaching carpentry and house building at Brainerd High School in 1972, retiring in 1995 after 23 years. Don was an avid fisherman and a beloved musician; he had a golden voice, winning several singing contests. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years. Don had a ministry of singing to residents of area nursing homes. Most importantly, Don cherished his entire family, leaving a legacy of faith, family, and music.

Donald is survived by Joan, his wife of 58 years; daughters, Cindy (Steve) Predmore of
Pleasant Hill, MO, Tracy (Steve) Snipstead of Kalispell, MT, Laura (Rob) Hobart of
Seattle, WA; son Eric Tollefson, of Minneapolis, MN; sisters, Dorothy Medick of Dallas,
TX and Edith (George) Hendricks of Champaign, IL, sister-in-laws, Leona Tollefson,
Jeanette Tollefson, and Ruth Tollefson; nine grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren (with a sixth on the way). Don was preceded in death by his brothers, Bud, Ray, and Bob Tollefson, and sister, Florence Bossus Happke. A special thank you to Good Samaritan Hospice and Good Neighbor Home Care for all their comforting care and love. Memorials are preferred to Good Samaritan Hospice in Nisswa, MN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Baxter, MN.