Janice Tolifson
Janice Elaine Tolifson, age 85 of Herman, Minnesota, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026. at Edgewood Assisted Living in Alexandria, MN, after a short stay in Hospice Care.
Visitation for Janice Tolifson will be held Friday, May 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, MN.
Memorial services for Janice Elaine Tolifson will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, MN, with Rev. Heather E. Klason officiating.
Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery, rural Herman, MN.
Janice was born on September 2, 1940 at her home in rural Chokio, MN, to Alva and Marian (Quam) Schmidt. Janice was baptized on September 2, 1940, with Mr & Mrs. Clarence Quam as her sponsors and later was confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church, Herman, MN. Janice attended school in a rural country school by her home. She liked to tell stories of how she would work ahead and while the others were “catching up” she would be allowed to read. She read every book in that country school library, some twice she said. The country schools consolidated with the Herman Public School when Janice was in eighth grade. She chose to discontinue her education after that year and became her uncle Herman VanZomeran’s “right hand man” on his farm in rural Chokio. She always said she would have stayed in school if they would have let the girls play sports back then! When she was a teenager, her family moved to the farm she would eventually raise her own family on.
One fateful night, while she was roller skating with friends at the Norcross Hall she met the love of her life, Ronnie Tolifson. After two years of dating, which included many drive-in movies, watching Ronnie play baseball on the Norcross Baseball team, and Sunday visits to Grandma Quam’s for the best afternoon lunches, Ronnie and Janice were married on September 19, 1958 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Herman, MN. The reception was held at her parent’s house following the ceremony. The couple took off the next day in their 1951 Powder Blue Ford for a honeymoon to Itasca State Park.
The couple first made their home in Bloomer, Wisconsin, but soon longed to be closer to family, moving back to Norcross in the Spring of 1959. While Ronnie worked as a farmhand, Janice took care of things at home. After a few years, they moved to the tiny town of Charlesville, MN, increasing its population to over 10! Ronnie farmed with his Dad and brother. Janice helped out whenever she was needed, and especially loved driving tractor. She also kept busy making daily trips to Mike Mosey’s General Store for the groceries needed for the next day. In the 60’s they moved into Herman and started the business of Tolifson Transfer where they hauled livestock and freight. Janice kept the books for their business, while she also did daycare for a neighbor boy. While Ronnie was on the road trucking her house became a popular gathering place for the neighborhood girls who would stop by daily for visits, and most likely a game of cards. Many great memories were shared of the fun they would have together. In 1970, the farm was calling them both back, and they purchased the land where Janice’s parents were living. With this move came new employment, both Ronnie and Janice went to work for Blume Equipment of Herman. Ronnie hauled equipment and Janice worked behind the parts counter. She would occasionally be met with the doubting look of a farmer who wasn’t sure a female could find what they needed….and she loved proving them wrong. During this time they were also building the family farm. Janice worked right alongside Ronnie for most of her life- taking care of the livestock and other farm animals, driving the trucks & tractors, and all that came with farm life. She also managed to find time for raising a garden, preserving what she grew, baking sweet treats for afternoon lunch and taking care of the home. In 1989 she opened a toning and tanning business in town with her friend, Karen Stephens. She loved the people she met and the friends she made at “Shake and Bake” salon. In her “spare time”, throughout the years she also served as the Avon lady, visiting homes to bring beauty to the ladies of Herman and surrounding areas, or possibly just to enjoy a cup of coffee with them.
On August 31, 1973 the couple had their first child, a daughter, Tracy Lynn. They welcomed son, Terry Lee, on October 16, 1975. Janice continued to help on the farm, many times taking the kids along when her Mom was unable to watch them. She never missed an event for her children, and often became involved as a leader, or helper, in the things they had interest in. She always took time to help with school work, make a costume, or play a little ball. Janice was a proud and loving mother, but nothing would make her heart burst with pride more than her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would become their biggest fan, sitting in the bleachers at more games, concerts and ceremonies than we can count. If you wanted to see her eyes light up, all you needed to do was mention the grandchildren. She loved getting to do Grandma daycare for each of her six grandchildren, as they got to spend the afternoon with her after their half day of preschool. She would pick them up from school and have a snack waiting, and many times a project to help with. Most recently, she loved having the title of Granny, and cherished time spent with her two great grandsons. They were always able to brighten her days and get her to giggle.
Janice was a lifelong member of the Bethel Lutheran Church and served her church through teaching Sunday School, Release Time and Bible School. She was a member of the Council, the BLCW, worked as the church Treasurer for many years, and served a few years as the Custodian. She was also active in the community, serving as a Girl Scout leader, a 4-H leader and helped with the Logan Township Board. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, doing crafts, reading books, mowing lawn and most of all time spent with family. Janice will be remembered as a hardworking, fun-loving woman who poured her entire heart into her family, and always taught them that family is truly life’s greatest blessing.
Janice is survived by her daughter: Tracy (Dan) Perry; her son: Terry (Jill) Tolifson; six grandchildren: Taylor (Tony) Volker, Taryn (Jonah) Hennen, Marshall Tolifson, Jordyn Perry all of Herman, MN and Maycee Tolifson (Kaleb Getz) of Hofman, MN; two great grandsons: Maverick Hennen and Rhett Volker; sister: Joan Radil of Alexandria, MN; sister In-laws: Linda Schmidt of Norcross, MN, Dixie Schmidt of Herman, MN, Janice Tolifson of Alexandria, MN, Susie Lone of Webster, South Dakota, Debbie (Larry) Robertson, Alexandria, MN; brother-in-laws: Arlan Tolifson of LaFeria, Texas, Gary (Patty)Tolifson of Cambridge, MN, Randy Tolifson of Norcross of MN, Rick (Dorothy) Tolifson of Thorn Hill, Tennessee, Danny (Karen) Tolifson of Farwell, MN; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband: Ronnie; parents: Alva and Marian Schmidt; in-laws: Leslie and Delores Tolifson; grandson: Mitchell Kleindl; brothers: Bob Schmidt and Jerry Schmidt; brother-in-laws: David Tolifson and Charles Lone; sister-in-laws: Vicki Tolifson and Janice Tolifson; nephews: Galen Tolifson and Steven Tolifson; and niece Lisa Lewis.
In lieu of memorials, donations can be made to the Herman Beautification Fund, Herman Fire Department and Lakeside Cemetery.
Arrangements are with Bainbridge Funeral Home.
