Arvid Tollefson

Arvid K. Tollefson, age 88 of Waseca, died on Friday, August 12, 2011 at his residence in Colony Court of Waseca.             Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, August 16th at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca with Fr. John Kunz, Celebrant. Interment with military honors will follow in the Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be held on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Waseca, and will continue on Tuesday morning for one hour prior to services, at church.  Arvid Kenneth was born on January 21, 1923 in Otisco Township, Waseca County, Minnesota to Carl and Neila (Karlstad) Tollefson. As a young man Arvid began the operation of Tollefson Sanitation Service in the Waseca area. On November 14, 1942 he was united in marriage to Adalyne R. Woletzke in Waseca. In January of 1943 Arvid entered military service in the U.S. Army. He served during WWII until his honorable discharge in November of 1945. Arvid returned to Waseca and continued the operation of sanitary business before selling it to his son Arvid Jr. in 1990. Over the years he was very active in the Waseca community where he served 2 terms as Mayor, and 12 years on the city council. Arvid was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and valued his affiliation with the Christian Assembly Church of Waseca. He was also a life member of the Sweet-Sommers VFW Post #1642 in Waseca, a 60 year member and past commander of the Waseca American Legion Post #228, and long time member and past commander of the Military Order of Cooties. Arvid enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, especially his trips to Las Vegas. He is survived by his children Arvid Jr. (Rosalyn) Tollefson of Leesburg, FL, Jerry (Karen) Tollefson of Champlin, MN, and Betty Malling of Chandler, AZ; by 14 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; by his sister Alice Labbs of Waseca, and his special friend Pat Olson of Waseca.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Adalyne, son Randy, and daughter Judy Ann; by 3 brothers and 4 sisters. Casket bearers are Arvid's grandchildren: Chad Heilman, Heidi Yura, Neila Gorron, Tami Reilly, Noelle Tollefson, Kenneth Tollefson, Erick Tollefson, Blake Tollefson, Matt Tollefson, Erik Malling, Rachel Malling, Brandon Tollefson, Ryan Tollefson, and Wade Tollefson.