George Thomas Tollefson, Lenexa, Kansas passed away March 4, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. 

George was born March 22, 1938 in Horton, Kansas to June and Tom Tollefson.  In his early years, he helped with dairy cattle, and loved driving a tractor and working with crops.  There, he learned about working hard. As a youth, he enjoyed BYF at church, playing football and basketball at school, and was a member of the band.

George’s career began working for Trans World Airlines in downtown Kansas City as a staff accountant.  His weekends were spent going to Lawrence, Kansas to take out Bettie Nottingham who was there attending school.  Wanting to better himself, he left TWA to attend the University of Kansas where he studied to attain his education degree.  While at school, he held numerous jobs to pay for his degree. 

His first teaching job was teaching History and English, at Hocker Grove Junior High in the Shawnee Mission School District.  George earned his Masters Degree in Counseling at Pittsburg State University.  After completing his Masters, he worked for the Center School District as a high school counselor.  In addition to his counseling duties, George was the coordinator for the Vocational Technical program, and served as the Special Education department chair.  During his teaching career, he touched many lives.

In his spare time, George loved traveling, cars, the outdoors, raising a garden and flowers, and the weather, but most of all his family.  Over the years the family enjoyed traveling together, camping out, holidays, and other special family time.

George was a member of the Lenexa Baptist Church where he served where needed.  He also was a proud member of the Army National Guard.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.  Survivors include his faithful wife, of 58 years, Bettie, his loving daughters Ellen Wollard (Phil), Becky Rule (Eric), and five grandchildren: Alyssa, Emily, Rachel, Drew, and Daniel that were the lights of his life, brothers Robert, Keith and Roger of Brown County, Kansas and numerous, nieces, nephews and friends. 

Visitation and Services will be held Friday, March 8th at the Lenexa Baptist Church 15320 W. 87 Street Parkway, Lenexa, Kansas.   Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 11:00.  Burial at Shawnee Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Hands to Heart which provides food for children.