Luke J. Tollefson

Luke J. Tollefson, age 41, passed away unexpectedly on July 29, 2021, near the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon.

Luke was born April 21, 1980, in Manitowoc, son of Michael and Linda (Naidl) Tollefson. He was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School with the class of 1999. Early in his life, Luke enjoyed working on his Uncle Roger’s farm. He also enjoyed playing football, basketball, and baseball during his school years. Luke excelled at Taekwondo and at the age of 13 he brought home the silver medal from the United States Junior Olympics.

After high school, he worked at various food establishments in Manitowoc, and he especially enjoyed his time working in the deli at Rob’s Family Market. Luke spent most of the last 20 years where he loved it best, on the West Coast. He made many special friends, especially Tina Stoutner of Grass Valley, CA.

Family was of the utmost importance to Luke. He made many trips home for visits and many phone calls to family members to tell them stories of his travels or just to say, “I love you.” His biggest passion in life was helping others in need. Luke needed nothing more than his backpack and the beauty on the road ahead of him.

Survivors include his parents: Mike and Linda Tollefson, Two Rivers; two brothers: Eric Tollefson, Manitowoc, Matthew (Andrea) Tollefson, Bark River, MI; nieces and nephews: Caleb, Jacob, Kesly, Hailey; aunts and uncles: Cal Naidl, Maribel, Pauline Rusch, Manitowoc, Betty (Carl) Steder, Menasha, Susan (Mike) Kolodzik, Appleton, Joan Tollefson, Manitowoc; and a very close cousin: Becky Siman, FL. Other relatives and friends also survive. Luke was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Joseph and Viola Naidl; paternal grandparents: Delore and Dorothy Tollefson; one nephew: Matthew Tollefson; and several aunts and uncles: Roger Rusch, Karen Naidl, Robert Tollefson, Lucy and Terry Schmaulfeldt.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Luke’s memory.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Jed Manders.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Thursday, October 14, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. until the time of service at 7:00 p.m.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.

The Pfeffer Funeral Home, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Mike and Linda wish to thank all their family and friends for all the prayers and love sent to them on their journey to bring Luke home from Oregon. They send a special thank you to their nephew, Steven Steder, for accompanying them on that journey.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Luke J. Tollefson, please visit our floral store.