Alice M. Tollefson

Alice M. Tollefson, age 83, of Decorah, IA, died Saturday, October 8, 2011 at Sunrise Cottages in Rochester, MN. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah with Rev. Marion Pruitt- Jefferson officiating. Burial will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah. Visitation will be at First Lutheran Church one hour before the services on Wednesday. Alice M. Tollefson was born on July 4, 1928 in Winneshiek County, Iowa the daughter of Olias and Clara (Iverson) Erickson. She was baptized and confirmed in Decorah, IA. She attended Springwater country school through 8th grade and high school in California. On December 18, 1952 Alice was united in marriage with Raymond Tollefson at the First United Methodist Church in Decorah, IA. They farmed near Mabel, MN and moved to Decorah in 1969. While living near Mabel, Alice taught Sunday school at Mabel First Lutheran Church and after moving to Decorah she was active with Stephen Ministry and WELCA at First Lutheran Church. Alice was the director of the Luther College food service and retired in 1990 after 26 years of dedication. She was an honorary member of the Mu Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega. Her interests included rug hooking, drawing, music, gardening and most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends. Alice was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond on July 10, 1976; four brothers; two sisters; and one granddaughter. Alice is survived by three daughters: Linda Rheel of Ridgefield, CT, Pamela (Jim) Roth of Rochester, MN and Susan (Leif) Johnson of Upsala, MN; six grandchildren: Eric, Aaron, Jenni, Molly, Leah, and Nikki; two step grandchildren: Lesli and Chris; two great grandchildren: Noah and Charlie; two step great grandchildren: Sam and Tavin; one sister, Evelyn Hahn of Decorah, IA and by many nieces and nephews.