WWII Army Veteran
Age 103, of Anoka
Passed away 3/23/26.
Chester Rueben Tollefson was born to Theodore and Martha (Syversrud) Tollefson on January 28, 1923, on the family farm in Highlanding, MN. When Chester was two years old, they moved to a farm south of Gaylord. Chester attended country school and graduated from Gaylord high school in 1941. In 1942 Chester went to San Diego and worked at Consolidated Aircraft making B-24 and B-25 bombers. He entered the Army and served from July 1944 to December 1944. Upon his honorable discharge, he went to Dunwoody College of Technology, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering. On August 30, 1947, Chester was united in marriage to Gladys Edmundson at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Sebeka, MN. Chester began working for the Minnesota State Highway Department in October 1946 as a surveyor, throughout his 38-year career he held many positions. His last position was District 9 Right of Way Engineer, retiring on June 30, 1985.
Chester and Gladys had the heart of a servant and caring for others. Chester and Gladys were instrumental in organizing the Special Education program in Anoka-Hennepin School District #11. They both had a passion for handicapped adults with a vision to provide an environment for them to thrive and work. Working together with community leaders, Chester and Gladys organized and brought to life RISE, INC., which provides employment for handicapped adults. RISE, INC., was founded in 1971 and continues to be a vital part of the community.
Chester loved his Norwegian heritage, even lutefisk and lefse! He loved the land and his way of relaxation was his flowers and garden. He loved visiting and keeping up with extended family and was always looking for more relatives. He loved to tell stories of the good old days and instilled in his children to be involved in making the world a better place.
Chester was an active member of Anoka American Legion Post #102, Zion Lutheran Church, and Sons of Norway, Vennekretsen Lodge #559 in Anoka, in which he was a founding member of.
Chester is survived by his son, David (Sue) Tollefson, of Virginia, MN; his daughter, Joyce (Ronald) Capp, of Raymond, MN; granddaughters, Kristine Tollefson, Kelsey Tollefson; grandson, Travis (Angela) Tollefson; great-grandchildren, Aleksia Tollefson, Tiergan Tollefson, Graham Tollefson, Vivienne Tollefson Janis, Ophelia Williams;
step-grandchildren, Katie (Randy) Kopic, Joanna (Tim) Leino; step-great-granddaughters, Madalyn Kopic, Hailey Kopic; sister, Marion Dietz; sisters-in-law, Lois Edmundson, Marian Tollefson. Chester is also survived by many nieces, nephews and Norwegian friends.
Preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; son, Loring; twin sons; his parents; brothers, Kenneth, Marvin, Wallace, Lloyd, Glenn, Roger; sisters, Elaine, Lorraine.
Visitation Fri. 4-7pm at Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home (552 East River Road, Anoka) Funeral Service 11am Sat. at Zion Lutheran Church (1601 S. 4th Ave. Anoka) with a second Visitation 9:30 am until time of service at church. Interment with military honors Forest Hill Cemetery in Anoka.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to RISE, INC, or Zion Foundation.
