Russell Lee Tolifson
Russell Tolifson, age 96 of Morris, Minnesota, passed away Sunday, July 26, 2026.
A private graveside service for Russell Tolifson will be held at the Brandon Cemetery in Brandon, MN, with Pastor Mike Hanson officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Brandon American Legion.
Russell Lee Tolifson, son of Ernest and Mary (DeFries) Tolifson was born on the 5th day of February, 1930, in Cottonwood County, rural Windom, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Missouri Synod Church in Windom. He attended country school, then joined the Army in 1948 and was discharged in 1952 with the rank of Sergeant. He farmed for a few years before relocating to South St. Paul and then Cottage Grove. He was a truck driver at Kopp’s Transfer in South St. Paul for many years and saw many different places. Then he was a welder until retirement.
On February 20, 1965, Russell married Shirley VanHorn. They were blessed with three sons. In 1977, they moved from Cottage Grove to Big Chippewa Lake north of Brandon where they lived for 17 years. Russ, Shirley and their boys enjoyed many wonderful days of fun at the lake with relatives and friends visiting often. After the boys grew up, Russ and Shirley spent several winters in Texas in their RV.
Russell enjoyed fishing, gardening, music and woodworking. Top of the list was spending time with family and friends. He was always happy-go-lucky and had a great sense of humor.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years: Shirley; three sons: Todd (Michelle), Bryan (Lisa), and Jim; his grandson: Jake (Kinsley); two great-grandchildren: Lydia Ruth and Liam Russell; four sisters-in-law: Kay Stenstuen, Jan (Bob) Micheletti, Vicki Strom, and Lynde Tolifson and well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest and Mary Tolifson; sister, Doris; brothers: Nathan, Donald, and Gerald; in-laws: Jake and Vernis VanHorn; daughter-in-law: Dawn Tolifson; brothers-in-law: Milton Stenstuen and Paul Strom; and his niece: Jennifer Grey.
Arrangements are with Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN.
