John Lawrence Tollefson

John Lawrence Tollefson passed away Sept. 15, 2016, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving children.

Tollefson was born Feb. 22, 1945, in Santa Monica, Calif., to Larry and Florie Tollefson. He spent his youth between Washington, D.C., and southern California.

After high school, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he was an electrician on the USS Pictor.

It was the Navy that led him to Idaho Falls, Idaho, and into the arms of the love of his life, Rozanne Rigby, whom he married Oct. 11, 1968.

After attending Idaho State University, Tollefson was recruited by Stauffer Chemical, leading the Tollefsons to relocate to Rock Springs in 1974. He worked out at the refinery through its various name changes as an instrument technician. Over time, through hard work and dedication to his company, he was promoted to lead a team as maintenance planner. He retired after 31 years of service.

During his life, Tollefson had many passions. He enjoyed locomotive trains, both life-size and N-Scale models. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of classic cars, often creating detailed drawings for family and friends. He was also a history buff, specifically military history, enjoying both fictional accounts and documentaries on the subject. Tollefson followed sports teams and enjoyed live sporting events including NASCAR and the Wyoming Cowboys. His love of multiple genres of music is one that he has passed on to his children.

But none of these passions compared to that he felt for his wife. Throughout their 42 years of marriage, John and Rozanne loved to travel, taking vacations every summer with their children, as well as taking trips alone as a couple. They had a very close marriage and were deeply in love. Nearly every day of their marriage was spent together, sharing life, talking about their days, raising children, playing games, and just enjoying each other's company.

Tollefson is survived by three sons, John Charles and companion Tracy Shreve; Joshua Lawrence and wife Marie Carvalho, Andrew Robert and wife, Amy; his daughter Kathryn Roze Czech and companion Mitradeep De Sarkar; his granddaughters, Isabella Tollefson, Margaret Tollefson, Anna Czech and grandson, William Czech. He is also survived by his sisters Marjorie Bertagnolli and Sara Hammond.

He was preceded in death by his wife Rozanne; brother Rodney Tollefson; sister Alice Hill, and his parents.

Services will take place at Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Churchin Rock Springs at 2 p.m. Friday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Food Bank of Sweetwater County.

Condolences may be left at the http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com.