Erling Tofteland

ERLING ALVIN TOFTELAND was born on November 28, 1922 to Andrew and Katrine (Barstad) Tofteland in a farmhouse located south of Luverne, Minnesota. A short time later, the family moved to a farm southwest of Luverne. Erling was raised here and attended Pleasant View Country School through the eighth grade. He then attended Luverne High School and graduated with the Class of 1941. He then continued working land and raising livestock with his father and brother, Conrad. On December 18, 1947 Erling was united in marriage to Ann Johnson at the Our Savior’s Lutheran Church parsonage in Luverne. The couple made their home on a farm southeast of Luverne and was blessed with four children. In 1956, the family moved to Erling’s parents’ farm. They continued the operation until 1989, when they held a farm sale and moved into town. Erling was very proud of his Norwegian heritage. He had many relatives and friends in Norway, whom he called and spoke his Norwegian language, which he was able to read and write. He enjoyed many trips to Norway during his lifetime. On November 30, 2001, Ann preceded him in death. Erling continued to reside in their home. On June 1, 2005, Erling was united in marriage to Doris (Regg) Anderson at Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. On Tuesday, November 7, 2017 Erling passed away peacefully at the Sanford Luverne Hospital at the age of 94 years, 11 months and nine days.

Erling was baptized and read his faith at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Luverne. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne and served in many capacities throughout life. In addition to farming he also served on many boards including: Pleasant View School Board, Luverne School Board, Rural Electric Board, and Norwest Bank Board. He was a member of the Sons of Norway, Luverne Rotary Club, Luverne Lions Club and was a supporter of Augustana College in Sioux Falls and Concordia College in Moorhead. He enjoyed playing bridge, pinochle and golf. Erling was dedicated to whatever he became involved and took great pride in his work.

Erling is survived by his wife, Doris; Steven (Julie) of Luverne; Stanley of West Des Moines, Iowa; Debra (Kevin Corey) of Andover, Minnesota; Andrew (Sally) of Ramsey, Minnesota; eleven grandchildren, Ryan (Martha), Jason (Kate), Rachel (Brandon Trampe), John, Barry (Laura), Emily (Billy Donovan), Sandra (Sage Jessee), Gretchen (Shawn Irvin), Benjamin Corey, Chad and Matthew; ten great-grandchildren; Finn, Liv, Sadie, Simon, Natalie, Dylan, Nora, Julia, Lilian and Elijah; two step-children, Michael (Kimberly) and Sheri (Mark Lumley); four step-grandchildren, Erica, Kelton, Sarah and Synnove; three siblings, Mabel Overgaard and Naomi Wilson of Luverne, and Walter (Ardith) of Naples, Florida; brother-in-law, Lloyd Johnson of Albert Lea, Minnesota; many nieces, nephews and other family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ann; two grandchildren, Brian and Bradley Tofteland; parents; brother, Conrad; and two brother-in-laws, Gordon Overgaard and Rev. Charles Wilson.

Memorials may be directed to the Luverne Dollars for Scholars Program, Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne, or Sanford Luverne Hospice.