Gerald Tollefsrud

Friday, January 21, 2022 1:34 am

Gerald Curtis Tollefsrud, age 77, of Spring Grove, Minn., passed away Jan. 16, 2022 unexpectedly at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines.

Gerald was born July 2, 1944 to Truman and Beth (Morrison) Tollefsrud. He was raised on the family farm south of Hesper, Minn., with four siblings. He graduated from Mabel High School and attended the Hesper Lutheran Church. Gerald held various jobs throughout his life; from laying bricks for Don Gjere, to being a salesman for Tri-state Breeders. Ultimately his son taught him to drive big rigs, and he enjoyed being a self-employed truck driver for 28 years.

Gerald married Judy Ranzenberger on Oct. 12 1963; and they raised three children together, but ultimately the marriage ended in divorce. Gerald married the love of his life, Linda Harry, on Feb. 25, 1994, in Las Vegas, Nev. They enjoyed life traveling, watching their grandchildren grow up, and loving on their fur-children. Gerald was always a caring and soft-spoken man- quick to smile or play a joke or be there with truck and trailer to save the day.

He is survived by his loving wife Linda; his children: Christine (Kevin) VanHorn, Todd (Charlene) Tollefsrud; his step-children: Chris (Becky) Tuveson, Erica Brooks, Jeremy (Alicia) Tuveson; his siblings: Marian Rovang-Rude, Lawrence Tollefsrud, Allen Tollefsrud, and Bernell Tollefsrud; along with 21 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Gerald was preceded in death by his trucking companion, Hooch, who traveled more than a million miles by his side as well as by his beloved daughter Beth on Aug. 11, 2017, along with his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, Minn., officiated by Pastor Elizabeth Hermeier. Friends are welcome to visit from 9 a.m. to the time of service. Following the service, Gerald will be laid to rest in the Hesper Lutheran Cemetery. All are welcome to join in fellowship at Kathy and Bernell’s home; light refreshments will be provided.

Roble Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.