December 19 1934 November 20 2022
John Elmore Tollefson December 19, 1934 – November 20, 2022 Share this obituary Send Flowers View/Sign Guestbook| Memorial Donation John Elmore Tollefson passed away peacefully on November 20, 2022, in Burlington, WA. John was born on December 19, 1934, in Mount Vernon, WA. John graduated high school from Burlington Edison. He then went on to complete his studies at Seattle Pacific University, where he happened to meet his “Bride-to-Be”, Shirley. John is a Veteran of the United States Navy. During his service he sailed abroad on the U.S.S. Midway as a Radio & Radar Technician. He then joined Texaco Refinery in Anacortes, WA as a Laboratory Tech, where he retired in 1997 as a Lab Supervisor. He then committed to full-time volunteer work at Love, Inc of Skagit, which was founded by his wife, Shirley. Some of John’s hobbies consisted of yard work, gardening, sharing the Gospel, and volunteer work for Love, Inc. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed hiking the mountains and trails. From sunup, to sundown, you’d never find dad bored! He was always in the garden or painting the house, whether it needed it or not! John was passionate of his involvement in Love, Inc (in the name of Christ). After “retiring” from furniture moving at Love, Inc dad joined the “Gideons” to continue his passion of serving Christ. He would help pass out bibles and share the gospel. He also enjoyed setting up the Gideon tent at the fairgrounds. John is preceded in death by his daughter, Shanna Tollefson, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2019. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff & Julie Tollefson, and numerous grandchildren who all loved him. A service will be held jointly with his wife, Shirley. After 61 years of a loving marriage, they continue their journey to Heaven, hand in hand. Any donations can be made to Love, Inc of Skagit County, which would support his passion and dedication to helping others in need. This organization focuses their support at a local level for Skagit County. Please visit www.hawthornefh.com to share your thoughts and memories and sign the online guest register. Arrangements are under the care of Hawthorne Funeral Home, Mount Vernon, WA. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of John Elmore Tollefson, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Print Obituary
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Elmore Tollefson December 19 1934 November 20 2022.
Death notice for the town of: Mount Vernon, state: Washington