Dale Edward Tolifson

December 4, 1945 — April 23, 2019

Dale Edward Tolifson was born on December 4th, 1945 in San Luis Obispo, California, the son of Olen E. and Dorothy M. (Hornickel) Tolifson. Dale grew up on the family farm north of Benson, Minnesota, the second of five kids. He attended country school and graduated from Benson High School in 1963. On August 19, 1967, Dale married Sandra Lee Steiner at St. Francis Xavier Church in Benson. This union was blessed with over 51 years of marriage and four children: Michael, David, Kimberly, and Steven. They resided on a farm north of Benson, which was located within a mile of Dale’s boyhood family farm. In 2012, Dale and Sandy purchased a family lake cabin on Lake Minnewaska, which was a longtime dream of theirs.

Dale loved growing up and working on the family farm. Dale went into partnership farming with his father, Olen Tolifson, in 1970. In 1978, Dale went into partnership with his brother Keith, and D&K Farms was established. Dale finished his farming career last fall (2018). Dale also worked numerous side jobs at Tyler’s and Tom’s Sales & Service over the years. Dale took pride in his farm and what he and his brother were able to accomplish over the decades.
Dale was a member of St. Francis Xavier Church in Benson. He was a seed corn dealer and an Archer Oil dealer. Dale was a founding member of the Chippewa Valley Ethanol Cooperative, and through the years served on the board of both CVAC and CVEC. He has been a board member at the Ethanol plant from 1996 until present and chairman of the board from 1997 until 2009. Dale also served on the board of directors for Minnesota Corn Growers from 2009 until 2018.

Dale loved spending time with family and friends, especially his wife, children and grandchildren. He loved spending time at the lake, going on pontoon rides, and watching everyone enjoy the water. Dale’s hobby was collecting toy tractors. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling all over the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Dale passed away peacefully with his wife Sandy at his side on April 23, 2019 at HCMC in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He attained 73 years 4 months and 19 days.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Sandy Tolifson, four children, Mike (Beth) Tolifson of Benson, MN, David (Janel) Tolifson of Benson, MN, Kim (Joel) Artmann of Elk River, MN and Steve (Hilarie) Tolifson of Mankato, MN. Twelve grandchildren, Abby (Dan) Lee, Campbell Artmann, Ashley Tolifson, Katelyn Tolifson, Matthew Tolifson, Calvin Artmann, Ryan Tolifson, Alex Artmann, Carly Tolifson, Bradley Tolifson, Emily Artmann and Jack Tolifson. His siblings Charles Tolifson, Benson; Keith (Lynn) Tolifson, Benson; Dennis (Sally) Tolifson, Farwell; Diana (Stan) Olson, Benson. Along with many nephews, nieces and cousins.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, Olen and Dorothy Tolifson, his in-laws Joseph and Lorraine Klenken, his grandparents, and sister in law Bonnie (Charles) Tolifson.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dale Edward Tolifson, please visit our flower store.

Send a Gift

Service Schedule

Past Services

Thursday, April 25, 2019

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson

508 13th Street North, Benson, MN 56215

Get Directions Plant Trees

Friday, April 26, 2019

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson

508 13th Street North, Benson, MN 56215

Get Directions Plant Trees

Friday, April 26, 2019

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

St. Francis Catholic Church in Benson

508 13th Street North, Benson, MN 56215

Get Directions Plant Trees

Friday, April 26, 2019

Starts at 12:15 pm (Central time)

St. Francis Catholic Cemetery

, Benson, MN 56215

Get Directions Plant Trees

Photo Gallery

Guestbook

Visits: 0

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.