Roger Tollefson

Roger David Tollefson, age 85, of Fargo, ND, formerly of rural Crookston, MN, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 11, 2025, surrounded by family and held in love.

Roger was born on August 19, 1939, in Crookston, MN, to Tinus and Theresa (Pullar) Tollefson. He grew up in the Red River Valley and graduated from the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston in 1957. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota - St. Paul campus where he was a member of the Farmhouse fraternity, graduating in 1961.

On September 10, 1960, Roger married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Thureen, at Bethany Lutheran Church in rural East Grand Forks, MN. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family and service.

Roger served in the Air National Guard in Fargo, ND, and devoted his professional life to farming the land he loved. In 1968, he and Barbara settled on a farm south of Crookston, where they raised their family and lived for over five decades. He continued to share his wisdom and presence with family in later years in the Fargo Moorhead area.

Roger lived out his faith through action. A devoted member of Resurrection Free Lutheran Church in Beltrami, MN, he also served in Gideons International through the Crookston Camp, and served on the Fertile-Beltrami School Board. He had a special passion for jail ministry and led numerous Bible studies, always eager to share the hope he had found in Christ.

Roger's curious mind and hands-on talents were evident in his enjoyment of solving mechanical problems in his shop. He loved doing puzzles with his grandchildren, exploring his computer, and reading. But above all, Roger will be remembered for his deep faith, gentle spirit, servant heart and unwavering commitment to his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Barbara; his children: Ruth (Roger) Quanbeck of Hallock, MN; Julie (Kirk) Militzer of Eau Claire, WI; Denise (Randy) Erickson of Barnesville, MN; Brenda (Nathan) Richman of Moorhead, MN; David (Shannen) Tollefson of Moorhead, MN; and Sara Hansen of West Fargo, ND.

He was a proud grandfather to: Tressa (Micah) Bengston; Stephen (Stephanie) Quanbeck; Danielle (Matt) Casperson; Carissa (Paul) Eikom; Tori (Brett) Hanson; Joshua Militzer; Peder (Taylor) Erickson; Rachel (Alex) Woodworth; Ryan Richman; Josiah (Annie) Militzer; Elizabeth Erickson; Hannah Hansen; Abby Erickson; Ashley (Thomas) Zwiers; Ethan Hansen; Sophie Hansen; Esther Hansen; and Scott (Cassie) Lantz.

He delighted in his great-grandchildren: Bjorne, Svea, Charles, Everett, Bennett, Eleanor, Elliot, Rose, Jane, Elsie, Jack, William, Brynn, Brooks, Ava June, Judah, Quinn, Lotte, Corban, and Gavin.

Roger is survived by his siblings: Raymond (Marian) Tollefson of Crookston, MN; Doris Desautels of Fargo, ND; Paul (Elaine) Tollefson of Crookston, MN; Joyce Vogt of Union Town, OH; Elaine Evenson of Hillsboro, ND; and Curt (Sharon) Thureen of East Grand Forks, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; siblings Bert and Anita Tollefson, Russell and Darlene Tollefson, Dwain and Nancy Tollefson; Fred Desautels; Leonard Vogt; Donna Tollefson; Marian Tollefson; Harvey Evenson; and Dennis and Diane Thureen.

A funeral service to celebrate Roger's life and faith will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16 at Triumph Lutheran Brethren Church, Moorhead MN with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also take place on Thursday, May 15 at 6:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Scandia Cemetery near Beltrami, MN at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Resurrection Free Lutheran Church, the Gideons International or the ministry of your choice.

Roger's legacy of faith, love and service lives on in the lives of those he touched.