Selvin H. Tollefsrud, 90, of Spearfish passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center where he has spent the last year of his life.

Selvin was born on April 15, 1921, in Ladner, SD, the son of Peder and Marie (Ostdahl) Tollefsrud. He attended school in Ladner during his elementary years and high school at Camp Crook, SD. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the Philippines on a PT boat as a Gunner's Mate from 1944-1946. After receiving a Purple Heart for taking shrapnel from a shell that hit his PT boat, he returned to ranch life in South Dakota.

Doris Watts and Selvin Tollefsrud were married on December 30, 1950. The couple ranched over 2200 acres in Ladner, SD. They moved to Spearfish in 1957 where they made their home with their five children Dwaine, Diane, Pete, Toni and Tim.

Selvin worked for Homestake Mining Company and logging industry for over 25 years. He retired in 1982. In 1986, Selvin and Doris returned to the country life east of Spearfish where they enjoyed an appreciation for nature with its birds, wildlife, and beautiful spaces. They both loved their garden and were proud to share the bounty with family and friends.

Selvin was an avid reader, a good neighbor, a full blooded stubborn proud Norwegian, and a tremendous storyteller. His memory of people, places and events was impeccable and entertaining. He enjoyed working with wood, experimenting with a new recipe and "putting up hay". He also had a pretty sweet love affair with tractors.

Blessed to share his life are his five children Dwaine (Najette) Tollefsrud, Rapid City, SD, Diane (Alan) Odom,North Pole AK, Pete Tollefsrud, Spearfish, Toni (Doug) Seiner, Mitchell, SD, Tim (Trish Kindt) Tollefsrud, Pierre, SD and sister Thelma Iverson, Philipsburg, MT. He enjoyed his 9 grandchildren; Jennifer (Clint) McGinnis, Ft. Collins, CO, Erik Tollefsrud, Ft. Collins, Amanda Odom, North Pole, Matthew Tollefsrud, Minneapolis, Michael and Ryan Tollefsrud, Spearfish, Buddy (Jamie) Seiner, Pierre, Erin Seiner, Sioux Falls, Danny Seiner (Alisha Freyberg), Brookings; 3 great-grandchildren; Lillian Noren Seiner, Pierre, Mila Grace McGinnis, Ft. Collins, and Emily Jaylin Seiner, Brookings. He leaves behind many dear relatives and close friends – we all say goodbye to this tired old cowboy with much love in our hearts.

Selvin was preceded in death by his wife Doris Tollefsrud, parents, step-mother Tora Tollefsrud, sister Ruth Nelson and brother Donnie Tollefsrud.

Selvin requested to not have a formal funeral. His final resting place will be on the crest of Lulu Butte, Harding County overlooking his homestead on Saturday, June 18, 2011. Family and friends will gather at Selvin's home at 1510 Toll Drive, Spearfish, at 5:00 P.M. June 18, 2011. A memorial has been established to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Ladner Lutheran Church, Alma Cemetery and the Buffalo Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to 1313 Meadowlark Ct. Spearfish, SD 57783.