Dora Tollefson, 96, Moscow Township

Published 12:00 am Thursday, February 1, 2007

Dora Louise Tollefson, age 96, of rural Freeborn County, died at her home Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2007.

She was born Dec. 18, 1910, to Theodore and Albertina Sophie (Thompson) Tollefson at home in Moscow Township, Freeborn County. She was baptized and confirmed at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church and attended a Mower County country school, graduated from Austin High School in 1929 and went on to the normal school in Austin to become a rural elementary school teacher. In 1945 she was appointed Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Mower County. After serving for 3 1/2 years, Miss Tollefson was appointed to a two-year term as superintendent. She was later elected to four four-year terms as Mower County Superintendent of Schools. During her last term, Dora also served as administrator for Fillmore County.

Miss Tollefson also served as vice chairwoman for the Mower County March of Dimes from 1949 to 1966, was secretary of the Mower County Public Health Nursing Board and was one of the incorporators of the Austin Achievement Corporation which is now the Cedar Valley Rehabilitation Workshop. She became a representative for teachers in the State of Minnesota, holding many offices too numerous to list. Dora retired in 1966. She was Zonta Woman of the Year in 1957 and belonged to the Art and Travel Club, a neighborhood extension group and Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.

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Survivors include one sister, Carrie (Mayer) Krawetz of St. Paul; nieces, Jean Krawetz and Ruth Krawetz; nephews, Paul (Pam) Krawetz, Theodore Krawetz, James Krawetz and Matthew Krawetz; grand niece, Elycia (Tim) Henry; grand nephew, Samuel Krawetz; two great, great nieces, Jasmine and Jessica.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a twin sister, Cora; sisters, Alice and Effie; three brothers, Albert, Orvin and Chester; and nephew, Daniel Krawetz.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, at Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church, rural Austin, with the Rev. Bruce Falksen officiating. Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Red Oak Grove Cemetery.

Memorials are preferred to Red Oak Grove Lutheran Church.