Delores Tollefson

Our dear Delores (Dee) Marie Tollefson passed away quietly in the comfort of her own home on Wednesday November 30th, 2022 at the age of 83 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Dee was born to Ethel Mina Hines and Loren Clement Cassem on April 17th, 1939 in Mitchell, South Dakota. She attended school in Mitchell where she enjoyed being a cheerleader, was part of the glee club, and loved singing in the choir. As a young child, spending time with her friends roller skating and coloring was the highlight of her days. She loved to knit and sew, making mittens, scarves, and dresses. When asked what she remembered most from school she said “absolutely nothing” with a smile. She worked as an usher at the Corn Palace and shared that the highlight was working the Lawrence Welk Show.

She met her husband of 66 years, Darrell Tollefson, at a local roller skating rink. They began dating and were married on July 15th, 1956. From the time she was young she said she wanted to be a housewife. They began their married life in Mitchell where she worked as a surgical tech at St Joseph hospital, and the couple soon started their family, raising five wonderful children.

In 1958 they relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. On August 27th, 1960, Dee was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, dedicating her life to serving her God Jehovah.
In 1962 they moved back to South Dakota where Dee focused on raising her five children. Her kids commented that she was “the best nurse” when caring for them. In 1988, Dee began a 22-year career with the Sioux Falls school system and retired in 2010.

Dee was known for her quiet and reserved demeanor with a sense of humor that few got to know. She was creative and enjoyed arts and crafts. She enjoyed camping and experiencing God’s creation, especially flowers and shrubbery. Dee served Jehovah faithfully for over 60 years. She now sleeps peacefully, awaiting the resurrection that Jesus promised.

She is survived by her children, Douglas (Sandra) Tollefson - Estacada, OR, Lynn (Perry) Hubbard - Boiling Springs, SC,
Todd (Diane) Tollefson - Hendersonville, NC, Kim (Kyle) Martin - Phoenix, AZ, Robyn (David) Nelson - Sioux Falls, SD;
grandchildren, Brooke (Lane) Samuelson - Hager City, W,IZach Hubbard - Inman, SC, Nicholas (Tara) Tollefson - Canby, OR,
Travis Tollefson - Hendersonville, NC, Jenny Nelson - Sioux Falls, SD.

She was preceded in death by her mother - Ethel Hines; her father - Loren Cassem;  a grandson - Jason Tollefson; a sister - Lorna Koch; and a brother - Richard Cassem

A Memorial Service on Zoom will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00 P.M. CST
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