Richard M. Tollefson, age 86, of Verona passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 with his family by his side at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He was born on October 30, 1931 in the Town of Vermont to his parents Leonard and Elizabeth (Jenni) Tollefson. Richard graduated from Verona High School in 1949. He was united in marriage to Marly Thurston on July 18, 1953 in Portage, WI. Richard retired from farming in 1987, and then worked for the Verona School District for the next ten years. He was a board member of AMPI, the Farm Bureau, and Pork Producers. Richard served the citizens of the Town of Verona for over twenty years on the Town Board as Third Supervisor, and as an appointed member of the Town Plan Commission and other citizen advisory subcommittees. Tollefson Park in the City of Verona was named in his honor. Richard was a kind and compassionate leader and mentor. He touched the lives of many people throughout his life.

Richard is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years Marly, son Michael (Jodi) Tollefson, daughters Sheryl Lavell and Michelle Tollefson, a daughter-in-law Sarah Tollefson, grandchildren Treyton and Troy Tollefson, Colin and Megan Lavell, and Jacob and Elizabeth Tollefson. He is further survived by a brother Russell Tollefson, a sister LuDawn Kinnunen, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sons Lance and Steve.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Zwingli United Church of Christ-Paoli, 1338 County Rd. PB, Belleville, WI. Rev. Lance Smith will officiate and burial will be in the Verona Cemetery.

Relatives and friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at the Becker-Beal Funeral Home, 109 Greenway Cross, Belleville, WI.

A memorial fund has been established.