"I am sorry to read of Mrs. Tollakson's passing. She will always be Mrs Tollakson to me. I was a student at Fridley high when her and Mrs. Georgious were in the library. I enjoyed talking with her daily. She always had a smile on her face. My mother enjoyed talking with her at Brett and Scott's hockey games as well. Peace be with you all."
In loving memory of
Barbara Lee Tollakson
July 6, 1940 - January 31, 2021
Barb Tollakson, 80, of Fridley, MN passed away on Sunday, January 31st, 2021. She was born to Merle and Sara Felstul on July 6th, 1940 in Alexandria, MN. She is preceded in death by her parents Merle and Sara Felstul.
Barb graduated in 1958 from Morris High School, attended college at St. Olaf and then moved to Minneapolis. She met Gerry Tollakson in 1962, smitten at first sight, at the apartment complex where they were living. They married on May 26th, 1963. Barb was not only Gerry's wife, to him she was his "Queen" and true love. In 1971 they moved to their current home in Fridley - their "castle", as Barb called it. In 1981 Barb started working as the secretary to the librarian at Fridley High School, was yearbook advisor, and later did taxes for H&R Block during the tax season. All three roles gave her an opportunity to positively impact so many people and to help whenever and wherever she could.
Barb loved being a Mom and Grandmother to her three children and six grandchildren. Erik (Vicki) and Dakota Tollakson (Brier Fennie), Krista (Gerald), Alex, Maddy, and Ben Bauer, Brett (Lisa), Ally, Whitney Tollakson. Blessed with a large extended family Barb was also very engaged beyond her immediate family and never missed a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or special event. It didn't matter if it was 5 minutes or 5 hours away, she was there.
Spending time with family and friends was always a highlight for Barb. She also enjoyed travel, Disney cruises, theatre, movies, reading, going out to eat, and keeping people connected. St. Timothy's Lutheran Church was also a very important part of her life where she spent many years singing in the choir.
Due to the current guidelines, there will not be a memorial service. The family is planning a summer celebration of life.
If you would like to do something for the family in honor of Barb please consider a donation to the Merle Felstul scholarship fund through the Morris Lions Club. Information about the Lions Club can be found in the link below. To allocate funds directly to the scholarships please forward donation to:
Krista Bauer
10482 Kilbirnie Road
Woodbury, MN 55129
https://morrislionsclub.com/
Tributes
"Gerry and family...there are far too many memories over a period of 77 years of friendship to put here. You are aware of most of them. Occasionally we were partners in naughtiness but always came out on top! The last few years have been tough and now COVID. Please accept my condolences. She will remain in my heart until we see each other again. Karen Lindquist Herman"
"Jim, Zoe, Anna and I are also sending hugs and love to our cousins and Gerry. We love you guys and are thinking about you all. Love Michelle. "
"Travis, Maggie, Hattie, and I are sending hugs to all of our cousins! We are sending a HUGE hug to Uncle Gerry. I will sure miss Aunt Barb and how special she was in my life. As the obituary said, she and Gerry came to so many of our family's events and it meant the world . All my love, Sarah Rother"