Vernon Ernest Tollefson

Vernon Ernest "Vern" Tollefson, age 66, of Hoople, North Dakota, passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.

Vern was born on March 5, 1960, in Devils Lake, North Dakota, to the late Olaf and Grace (Kisner) Tollefson. Raised in a farming family, he was a lifelong farmer and trucker, continuing the family tradition with dedication and pride. He finished schooling in Hampden, North Dakota and later became the owner and operator of Tollefson Farming & Trucking, a business that reflected his strong work ethic and commitment to farming. Vern was also a proud father to his sons, the late Joseph Vernon Tollefson and Jeffrey Gary Tollefson.

In 2000, Vern met the love of his life, Kristi Twamley. The two were united in marriage in July 2009 in Park River, North Dakota, and together they made their home in Hoople, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, and hard work.

Vern had a gift for fixing just about anything and found great joy in gardening. His garden was well known for producing enormous tomatoes—often known to be "bigger than the bun"—along with impressive squash and cucumbers. His late brother-in-law, Jim, was always amazed and would jokingly ask how Vern managed to grow such huge produce.

More than anything, Vern loved visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. He never missed an opportunity to visit with anyone, usually beginning the conversation with his signature question: "You got coffee?" It was a phrase that became one of the many things those who knew him will always remember with a smile.

Vern is survived by his loving wife, Kristi Tollefson, of Hoople; his son, Jeffrey Gary Tollefson; his brothers, Mike Tollefson of Edmore and Steve Tollefson of Edmore; his sisters, Lova (Jim) Hodny of Newfolden, Minnesota, and Myrna (Steve) Landblom of Elma, Washington; as well as many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Grace (Kisner) Tollefson; his beloved son, Joseph Tollefson; his brother, Gary Tollefson; his sisters, Loretta Parrish and Selma Holmen; and his mother-in-law, Maxine Twamley.

Vern's passion for farming and his love for his wife, Kristi, will forever be remembered. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at Victory Free Lutheran Church in Park River, North Dakota. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral service starting at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are invited to join the family for a luncheon at the church following the service. Burial will take place at Hoople Cemetery immediately following the luncheon.