Stanley Tollefson, 1928-2015

Published 9:28 am Monday, March 9, 2015

Funeral services for Stanley “Bud” F. Tollefson of New Richland will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland. The Rev. Brian Gegel will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the New Richland American Legion. Interment will be in LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Friedrich Funeral Home in New Richland and one hour before the service at the church.

Stanley Tollefson

Bud died Friday, March 6, 2015, at New Richland Care Center. He was 86.

He was born March 11, 1928, in Waseca, the son of Stanley M. and Mildred (Rhode) Tollefson. He graduated from high school with the New Richland class of 1946. After graduation, Bud did carpentry for a short time before he entered the U.S. Air Force in 1950. He served his country for four years before his honorable discharge in 1954.

On April 16, 1955, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Johnson at LeSueur River Lutheran Church.

Bud and Kathryn settled on the family farm northeast of New Richland, where they farmed and raised their family. In addition, Bud worked at Herters in New Richland, Huntting Elevator in New Richland and the Skelly Station.

One of Bud’s many passions was music. He played with the “Melody Men” band for more than 30 years. He also had a great talent for fixing things until they were “good enough.”

He was a member of LeSueur River Lutheran Church, serving many years as duo-custodian along with his wife, Kathryn, usher council member and he enjoyed  playing on their softball league in earlier years.

He also enjoyed snowmobiling, hunting, gardening and a good game of horseshoe or golf. He enjoyed  and was an avid Minnesota sports fan, but Grandpa Bud was most proud, loyal and supportive while being in the stands at his grandchildren’s events.

Bud is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn, of New Richland; his children Mary Kathryn (Kenny D.) Southworth of Park City, Montana, Judy Ann (Jim) Kortz of Albert Lea, James Stanley Tollefson (Bobbi Potter) of Austin, Thomas Arthur (Chris) Tollefson of Apple Valley and Mark Steven (Sandra) Tollefson of New Richland; grandchildren Shane (Julie) Southworth, Josh Southworth, Andy (Leah) Johnson and their children Nolan and Norah, Matthew Johnson and special friend, Lisa Amundson, Lachelle Johnson and special friend, Blaine Swenson, Mitch Kortz, A.J. Kortz and special friend, Casey Elsen, Taylor Tollefson, Katelyn Tollefson, Kathrine (Caleb) Oberg and their children Haley and Alex, Kayla (Jason) Fry and their daughter, McKenna, Jonathan, Jaron and Abigail Tollefson, and Carter, Spencer and Emma Tollefson; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Marian Tollefson of Austin, Shirley and Vern Strand of Albert Lea and Ronald and Janet Johnson of Madison, Wisconsin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers Roger, in childhood, and Gene.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be sent to Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota and/or U of M Amplatz Children’s Hospital Heart Dept.