Harvey Eugene “Gene” Tollakson, age 75 of South Wayne passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Feb. 5, 2016 at Monroe Clinic Hospital in Monroe. He was born on June 23, 1940 in Monroe the son of Harvey and Blanche (Seffrood) Tollakson. Gene graduated from South Wayne High School. He was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Keough on May 15, 1965 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington. Gene lived and farmed in the South Wayne area his entire life.
Gene is survived by his wife Mary Ellen at home; three sons: Olen Tollakson, Randy Tollakson, and Scott Tollakson all of South Wayne; two grandchildren: Maxwell and Abigale Tollakson; one brother: Ted (Darlene) Tollakson of South Wayne; and one sister: Mary Ann (David) Johnson of Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sons: Bradley and Darrell Tollakson.
Gene served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1965. He loved dancing, reading, and collecting Allis Chalmers tractors. Gene was always offering a helping hand to his family, friends, and neighbors. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Cornerstone Lutheran Church (1540 Old Highway 81, Argyle 53504) with Rev. Ron Brubakken officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Gratiot where military graveside rites will be accorded by Argyle American Legion Post #251. A visitation was held 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016 at Erickson Funeral Home (801 Milwaukee Street, Argyle) and from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Thursday at the church. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.
For those who prefer, a memorial fund has been established in Gene’s name.