Ronald Tollefson
POLSON — Ronald E. Tollefson passed away at his home on July 24, 2017. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nov. 3, 1927, to the Reverend Elvin and Ethel Tollefson, the first of four children.
His early years were spent in many places, being the son of a Lutheran minister who traveled wherever he was needed; his favorite being Petersburg, Alaska.
After graduating high school from Sumner, Washington, he worked in the Bremerton ship yards until he went into the army serving in Japan and Korea. After being wounded in Korea he was honorably discharged with a Purple Heart and other service awards.
Ron was a skilled auto mechanic, working for many years at Tower and Robinson in Polson before buying his own Conoco station in Pablo in 1969. He retired from his mechanic career in the early 1990s to go into his second career. He converted his shop into a second-hand store, which he ran until the day he passed. His favorite things to do were yard sales and gun shows where he looked forward to the next great deal or treasure.
In 1953 Ron married Nancy Fee. From this union they had two children, Greg Tollefson of Missoula and Toni Wock of Polson. He later married Neva Livingston, who preceded him in death in 2004. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Elvin and Ethel Tollefson; sister, Naomi Erickson and son-in-law, Keith Wock.
He is survived by his son, Greg (Sue) Tollefson; his daughter, Toni Wock; his sisters, Elsa Duford and Sandy (Buck) Weaver; his grandchildren, Heather Adams, Ryan Tollefson, Nicole Tollefson (Joe Murphy), Kristian Wock, Amber (Jesse) Sturgis; great – grandchildren, Taylor, Camy, Ari, Liam, Elly, Quin and his great great-granddaughter, Hadlee.
As per Ron’s wishes, there will not be a service. Memorial donations may be made to the VFW post of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.thelakefuneralhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
