"It is sad to hear of Rita's death. She was a cousin on my mother's side, and I remember fondly staying with her and the other girl cousins, at their parent's farm when we were teenagers. I wish I could have been in MN to honor her memory at the visitation or funeral. May God's gift of grace be with her family. Julie Aakre"
In loving memory of
Rita Gayle Tollefsrud
December 24, 1948 - May 27, 2022
Rita Gayle Tollefsrud, 73 of Rochester died peacefully on May 27, 2022 after a year of living with ALS. Rita was born on December 24, 1948 in Lake City to Kenneth and Mabel Haggerty; the second youngest of nine children.
Rita married David Tollefsrud on December 30, 1967. Together they had three daughters, Julie (Paul) Schoenecker, Jessica (Jeff) Brinkman, and Jenna (Eric) Burfeind. Rita provided daycare in their home for 35 years. During their time together, Rita and David enjoyed traveling, gathering with friends and family and always looked forward to their week at Leech Lake each June. Together they celebrated 31 years of marriage before David's passing in April of 1999. Rita retired from daycare in 2003 allowing her and her companion Don Smith to travel and enjoy retirement.
Rita is survived by her three daughters; her grandchildren William, Carter, Elizabeth, Kayla, Bennett, Elise, Alayna and Josephine; her sisters DoraLee (John) Sprenger, Joanne Nord, Sharon (Russ) Billings, Dianne (Sidney) Anderson; her sister-in-law Patty Haggerty and her brother Kenneth (Mary) Haggerty. Rita is preceded in death by her husband David Tollefsrud; her sisters Arlene (Don) Roberson, Marlys (Grant) Larson, her brother Gary Haggerty and brother-in-law Chuck Nord.
A visitation will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes on Thursday, June 2, 2022, from 6-8 pm. A celebration of Rita's life will be held at Mount Olive Lutheran Church on June 3, 2022 at 11:00 am with a visitation beginning at 10:00 am., followed by a luncheon. A graveside burial will take place at Lands Lutheran Church in Zumbrota, MN at 2:00 pm.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Tollefsrud family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.
Tributes
"I did Rita?s hair for many years and truly loved every visit with her. She was an amazing woman and I know she sure loved her family! She always talked about all of you girls and the grandkids. When we had to say goodbye the last time she came in a few months back that was so hard as I knew with her moving I would not see her again. I sure will miss her and our visits. Thinking of you all during this hard time and my prayers go out to all of you. Sincerely Steph Gartner "
"Julie, Jessica, Jenna and family- May God give you strength once again to navigate through this very difficult time. I have such fond memories of Rita; taking care of all the kids in her home, being chased around the kitchen by Dave ?Rita, Rita, Rita?. She brought many smiles and provided after school snacks and unknown alibi?a to all our shenanigans. I send much love to you all during this time; Hugs . Sarah (Rossman) Gilgenbach"
"My deepest condolences to you at this difficult time. I will always remember Rita for how kind and helpful she was, her heartwarming laugh and sense of humor. God bless you and your families. Mary Tollefsrud"