Donald "Don" G. Tollefsen

Donald “Don” G. Tollefsen, 89, of Mokena, formerly Park Forest and Cicero, passed away surrounded by his family on Feb. 19, 2026. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Donna Marie Tollefsen nee Peterson; devoted daughter Susan Marie (David) Fuhrman of Cedar Lake Indiana and Mary Louise Mertz; cherished grandchildren: Christopher (Maeko) Kramer, Elizabeth Marie (Clint) Chambliss, Joseph (Tara) Kramer, Jackie Jender, Derek (Kristine) Fuhrman, Robert (Tara) Fuhrman and Cody (Shannon) Heldak; great-grandchildren: Kai, Adriana, and Adrian Kramer and Luke and Ellie Fuhrman. Brother of the late Russell (Bernadine) Tollefsen and late Diane (late Michael) Morano. Brother-in-law of late James “Jim” (Judy) Peterson and late David (Gen) Peterson and cousin, Sally Fortune. He was a dear uncle, cousin and friend of many who was cherished by all of his nieces and nephews. Family was the focus of Don’s life.

Born to George and Ella Tollefsen and raised in Cicero, Illinois. Don attended St. Francis of Rome Catholic School and graduated from Morton East High School. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he served during the Vietnam War. Upon his return home, Don met Donna at a party where they fell in love, marrying Aug. 5 1968. In the 90’s they moved to Park Forest and since 2000 have resided in Mokena. Don served as the Treasurer and past Post Commander of Homewood VFW Wally Burns Post 8077. In 2019 Don was part of Honor Flight Chicago to Washington D.C. to the Vietnam War Memorial.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 27th from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a VFW Service at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28th visitation from 10:00 p.m. until time of Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. with Military honors at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423. Memorials may be directed to Misericordia Home on behalf of Jackie Jender. For info or to sign guestbook please visit heartlandmemorial.com or call Heartland Memorial Center (708)444-2266.