Tilmen Maynard Tollefson, age 87 of Blooming Prairie, died Sunday, May 12, 2002, at Prairie Manor.

He was born May 30, 1914, to Tollef and Serena (Ruluf) Tollefson in Freeborn County. Tilmen grew up near Red Oak Grove and married Verlie E. Christianson in Albert Lea on Oct. 6, 1934. They moved to Hollandale in 1941 where they farmed, raising vegetables. In 1962 they bought the family farm where they lived until 1978 when they moved to Blooming Prairie. An excellent handyman, Tilmen liked to use his hands and tools to build and repair things, and he enjoyed playing cards. A member of the Eagles Club and Moose Lodge and a lifetime member of Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, he was a kind and gentle man who will be missed by his loving family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Verlie of Blooming Prairie; son, Darrel (Marlene) Tollefson of Burnsville; daughters: Jean Gappa of Albert Lea, and Judy (Robert) Remker of Blooming Prairie; ten grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; and many relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: John and Arnie; and one sister, Tilla Trihus.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 15, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with The Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating. Interment is at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call at Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home from 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, and at the church one hour before the service.

Memorials to Red Oak Grove Church, Prairie Manor or United Cerebral Palsy.