MARLENE E. TOLLEFSON (HAAGENSON)

Marlene Tollefson, 85, of Devils Lake, died Friday July 13, 2018.

Marlene was born on September 9, 1932 in Rolette, ND to Alice (Ness) and Bennie Haagenson. Her childhood was spent on a farm south of Rolette with her siblings Boyd, Opal, and her twin sister Marlys. This place along with Ox Creek Lutheran Church always brought joy to her heart.

She graduated from Rolette High School in 1950 and attended Minot State College. She taught elementary school for several years. She married Donald Tollefson on October 6 1956 and would join Don in the operation of the family farm near Churchs Ferry and together they raised a crop of kids. They farmed together until his death in 2003.

She thoroughly loved the farm and understood her life as working and serving both God and family. Her kitchen table was her altar and the coffee pot was always in hand as she extended hospitality and invited others into fellowship. She deeply loved and watched over her children, prayed her grandchildren into vitality, and each time she showed up, it was as if God showed up quietly, humbly to bless. Her faith in Jesus was what sustained her for 85+ years! She lived a very good life and left behind a life-giving legacy of family and faith.

She leaves behind one daughter, MariDon (Jack) Sorum, Minot, ND; and three sons; Michael (Nancy) Tollefson, Minnewaukan, ND; Marco (Julie) Tollefson Devils Lake, ND; and Marty (Stephanie) Tollefson, Fremont, NE. She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren: Aaron and Rachel Tollefson, Luke and Logan Sorum, Traycer Tollefson, and Hannah and Sarah Tollefson, twin sister Marlys Johnson of Devils Lake; sister Opal Campbell of Minnetonka, MN and brother-in-law Charles Pfister of Vancouver, WA; and several nieces and nephews

She is preceded in death by her husband Don, brother Boyd, and her parents.

God bless the memory of Marlene Tollefson.