Gale Owen Tollefson

Gale O. Tollefson, 87, of Wahpeton, ND, passed away on Thursday, November 5, 2026, in Fargo, ND.  His funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour before, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton. Burial will be on Sunday, November 15th, in Fairview Cemetery.

Gale O. Tollefson was born on November 27, 1938, in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, to Harry and Esther Tollefson. He was baptized and confirmed at Maplewood Lutheran Church, rural Erhard, Minnesota.

Gale grew up in Maplewood Township and attended Rural District No. 145, a one-room schoolhouse in Maplewood Township. He graduated from high school in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

Following graduation, Gale enlisted in the United States Air Force with a six-year obligation. He spent two years in the Far East and was stationed at Ashiya Air Force Base in Japan, where he served as a C-130 Instrument and Autopilot Technician.

On June 22, 1959, Gale married Yoshiko Otsuka at the United States Consulate in Fukuoka, Japan.

Following his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, Gale began a 37-year career with Otter Tail Power Company as a Power Lineman and High Voltage Lab Supervisor.

Gale was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, a life member of the Vets Club, a member of the Wahpeton Fire Department, a member of the Wahpeton Buffalo Club, and a member of the Wahpeton Harmony Senior Center Club.

Gale loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed woodworking and spent countless hours crafting projects. He also loved gardening, yard work, and spending time at the family cabin on Long Lake. He especially enjoyed going to casinos with his wife, Yoshiko.

Gale was very proud of his family, whom he loved dearly.

Gale is survived by his three children: Yvonne (Scott) Toso of Fergus Falls, Minnesota; Glen (Shelley) Tollefson of Wahpeton, North Dakota; and Marlene Ferguson of West Fargo, North Dakota. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Nick (Ally) Tollefson, Ashlyn (Chris) Munsch, Casey (Keanna) Hickel, Cody (Kayln) Hickel, Tyler (Soon-to-be Bride, Carcie) Tollefson, Joshua (Rachel) Ferguson, Jacob (Victoria) Ferguson, and Mikia (Nicholas) Schultz; thirteen great-grandchildren; a niece, Bernice Overland; a nephew, Doyle (Jodi) Tollefson; and many wonderful friends.

Gale was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Esther Tollefson; his loving wife, Yoshiko Tollefson; his parents-in-law; and his brother and sister-in-law, Everette and Aurlette Tollefson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Wahpeton Senior Center and Bethel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton.