Gary Duane Tollefson

Gary was born on May 27th, 1941 to Nordahl and Marion (Bergstrom) Tollefson in Austin, Minnesota. Gary graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1959. After high school he attended Austin Area Vocational School and completed studies of Farm Equipment Mechanics. He completed 2 years of studies that consisted of 2,000 hours of shop and related training that earned him an Associate’s Degree (Diploma) in January of 1962. November 4th, 1963 Gary enlisted into the Army National Guard in Austin, Minnesota. His MOS was a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. While he was stationed there, he completed the Automotive Maintenance Helper Course given at the 4th Training Regiment. The United States Army Training Center on July 24th, 1964. Gary served as a Specialist Four, E-4, 4th Battalion 135th Infantry, and was honorably discharged on November 27th, 1967. He then re-enlisted into the Indiana Army National Guard and as a Reserve of the Army. His rank there was SP4 CoE (TAM) 736th Maintenance Battalion. After two years he was honorably discharged on November 27th, 1969.

In July of 1968, Gary met Kay Angelyn Good in Carmel Indiana when she went to visit her sister Marilyn. Gary was working with Marylyn’s husband Wayne at Lynnwood Farm, a Purdue University Farm. It did not take them long to know that they were soul mates and to be married. They married on December 28, 1968 at Westminster Christian Church in Westminster, OH. Gary and Kay went on to have 6 children. Whitney, David, Grant, Eric, and their twins Chastity and Tiffany. Gary worked in consignment hog farms as a swine manager, as the family grew, they moved several times throughout the Midwest and to a providence of Canada. When it became time for Gary to retire, after 50 years, they landed in Oklahoma City, OK in 2005 with Chastity and her family. They enjoyed being a part of all their activities. Everything from helping with homework, football practices, karate, 4H, FFA or vacations to Branson. They always seemed to be busy doing something. Kay passed away in April of 2023, Gary then moved to Aurora CO. Once he was in Colorado, he continued his love of travel and the mountains. He made several trips to the Rocky Mountain National Park, St. Louis Missouri to watch the Cardinals play and even attended an Avalanche game. But his greatest love of all was spending time on adventures creating memories with his family.

Gary is survived by his daughter Whitney (Barry) of Aurora CO, son David of Pink Hill NC, son Grant (Janet) of Webb City MO, son Eric (Michelle) of Webb City MO, and daughter Chastity of Oklahoma City OK. He is also survived by his brother Dale (Renee) of Austin MN and sister Jane (Daryl) Prihoda of Austin MN. Grandchildren Misty, Reanna, Kacie, Jennae, Trey, Dylan, Titus, Tanner, Thor, Tiffany, Topanga, Rebecca, Derick, Aleigha, Kelli, Bethany and Bryce. Great grandchildren Kaybra, Zoee, Ayden, Quentin, Kadence, Brookyln, Ava, Jayken, Ethan, Asher, Jaxon, Nirah, Maddex, Ellie, Amai and Leon. Great great grandson Remington. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Gary was predeceased in death by his wife Kay Angelyn (Good) Tollefson, daughter Tiffany Leann Tollefson, father Nordahl Tollefson, mother Marion (Bergstrom) Tollefson, sister Suzanne (Tollefson) Larson, sister Marlene (Tollefson) Harty, grand-daughter Brittany Daniel and daughter-in-law Linda Rouse (David).

A celebration of life for Gary will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, 3500 S. Logan St., Englewood, CO 80113 on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.