Marly M. Tollefson, age 91 passed away on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at SSM Health Saint Mary's Care Center in Madison.  She was born on July 21, 1933 in Portage, WI the daughter of Orrie and Pearl (Schmidt) Thurston.  Marly graduated from Portage High School in 1951 and then graduated from Madison Business College.  On July 18, 1953 she was united in marriage to Richard Tollefson.  Marly first worked for the State of Wisconsin and then Canteen Vending and later retired from WPS.  In addition to working, she was also a farm wife and mother- two roles that she elevated with her unending kindness, generosity, and class. Visitors to her home would often exclaim "Wow, this does not look like a farmhouse!" as she enjoyed decorating and being in style.  One of Marly's greatest pleasures in life was spoiling her loved ones, along with the required shopping trips to do so. Anyone lucky enough to first experience a Christmas at Marly's house, would become wide-eyed and ask with astonishment "there's more?" Then as her grandchildren came, she had a whole new generation to spoil and at a whole new level.  Marly also enjoyed her wonderful circle of friends: her bridge club ladies, bowling league, card club, and polka dances (which for many years were attended every Saturday night). She and Richard were able to travel and see just about everywhere they wanted to go together. As a dear family friend observed "Marly was so smart and capable, but the loveliness and the kindness were what you noticed first." They are also what will be remembered best.  She was a member of Zwingli United Church of Christ-Paoli.

Marly is survived by her children Michael (Jodi) Tollefson, Sheryl Lavell, and Michelle Tollefson, daughter-in-law Sarah Tollefson, grandchildren Treyton and Troy Tollefson, Colin and Megan Lavell, Jacob Tollefson, and Elizabeth (Jake) Lampke, and a nephew Shad Thurston.

She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father George Lemberger, husband Richard, sons Lance and Steve Tollefson, brother William Thurston, and infant brother Danny.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Zwingli United Church of Christ-Paoli, 1338 County Rd. PB, Belleville, WI with Rev. Karla Schmidt officiating.  Burial will be in the Verona Cemetery.

A visitation will precede the funeral service from 10:00 a.m. until time of services on Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Zwingli United Church of Christ-Paoli.

The Becker-Beal Funeral Home of Belleville is assisting the family.