Rev. Dennis N. Tollefson

Rev. Dennis N. Tollefson, 86, of Minnetonka, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A man of unwavering faith and compassion, Dennis dedicated his life to walking alongside those often marginalized. He had a unique gift for making others feel seen, valued, and loved.

Born on May 8, 1939, in Marshfield, Wisconsin, to Neil Terence and Louise (Seehafer) Tollefson, Dennis moved frequently with his family, attending a different high school each year. After graduating, he studied at St. Olaf College (‘61) before proudly serving four years in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service and the death of his father, Dennis took over the family’s purchased nursing home and worked as an administrator for six years before answering his lifelong call to ministry.

Dennis’ call began in kindergarten when a Sunday school teacher told him, “God always loves you—and everyone.” That simple truth stayed with him, ultimately shaping his faith and his ministry. He entered Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1967 and went on to serve faithfully as an ELCA Lutheran pastor in five congregations: Pleasant Valley Lutheran in Vermillion, South Dakota; Olivet Lutheran in Fargo, North Dakota; Midvale Lutheran in Madison, Wisconsin; Cambridge Lutheran in Cambridge, Minnesota; and Glen Cary Lutheran Church in Ham Lake, Minnesota.

Married to his beloved wife Mary for over 58 years, Dennis was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He filled his family’s lives with laughter, wisdom, and unconditional love, teaching by example how to live with integrity, gratitude, and grace. Even through three battles with cancer, his kindness and care for others never wavered.

Dennis found great joy in time spent with family and friends. He and Mary loved traveling and led several group trips through Europe, creating lasting memories. For over 50 years, their cabin on Kabekona Lake was a treasured place of connection, storytelling, and peace.

He lived his faith through action. His ongoing support of the Lutheran Social Services Homeless Youth Fundraiser reflected his deep care for young people and his call to serve. His hobbies included reading, cheering for the Packers, Vikings (so long as they weren’t playing the Packers) and Twins, sharing “mini-sermons” with anyone willing to listen, gathering faithfully with his men’s group, and attending nearly every activity his grandchildren participated in.

Dennis’s legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched with kindness, grace, and unwavering purpose.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Mary, and their daughters: Kristi (Richard) Taft of Victoria, MN; Liv Tollefson of Minneapolis, MN; and Amy Tollefson of Minneapolis, MN. He was a cherished grandfather to eight grandchildren—Alex (Bethany) Wolsky, Kara Taft, Sarah Taft, Zoe Wolsky, Greta Wolsky, Gabriella Janecek, Trek Janecek, and Tegan Janecek—and great-grandfather to Lydia, Esme, and Charlotte. He is also remembered by Greg Wolsky, former son-in-law and father of Alex, Zoe, and Greta, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father in 1964, his mother in 1968 and his sister, Patricia L. Anderson (Shawnee, KS) in 2020. 

Memorial Service Saturday, September 6 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service.

The burial service will take place the following day, Sunday, September 7 at 3:00 p.m. at Cambridge Lutheran Church in Cambridge, MN. All are invited to attend. 

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Social Service – Youth Homelessness or Luther Seminary, two causes close to Dennis’s heart.

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