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Marlyn T “Mike” Tofte

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Birth	:	22 Mar 1941 Volga, Brookings County, South Dakota, USA
Death	:	3 Jun 2013 Brookings, Brookings County, South Dakota, USA
Burial	:	First Lutheran Cemetery, Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate	:	44.2979590, -96.8247740
Plot	:	Block 8 Lot 11 Grave 2
Description	:	Marlyn "Mike" Thomas Tofte, 72, of Brookings, SD, passed away Monday, June 3, 2013 at his home. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Friday, June 7, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Rude's Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Marlyn Thomas Tofte was born March 22, 1941, in Volga, SD, the third of four children to Harold and Mabel (Quam) Tofte. Harold and Mabel purchased a farm six miles north of Brookings where Mike and his siblings grew up surrounded by open spaces and Mike, in particular,... Read More	Marlyn "Mike" Thomas Tofte, 72, of Brookings, SD, passed away Monday, June 3, 2013 at his home. Funeral Services have been set for 10:30am Friday, June 7, 2013 at First Lutheran Church, Brookings, SD. Visitation will be from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Rude's Funeral Home, Brookings, SD. Marlyn Thomas Tofte was born March 22, 1941, in Volga, SD, the third of four children to Harold and Mabel (Quam) Tofte. Harold and Mabel purchased a farm six miles north of Brookings where Mike and his siblings grew up surrounded by open spaces and Mike, in particular, developed a passion for all things farming. After serving six years in the National Guard, Mike married his wife (Mary Matson) and took over the Tofte farm where they raised their own four children. In 1985, Mike was employed by Twin City Fan & Blower where he proudly worked for 21 years while he continued farming and raising livestock. Mike and Mary lived on their farm for 43 years until May 2011 when they moved into a house in Brookings. As a farmer, Mike was famously loyal to John Deere tractors. Nearly every piece of farming equipment he owned was John Deere, including two lawnmowers and a chainsaw. He even made a custom hay wagon which he painted (with the help of his family) in John Deere green and gold. Besides farming, Mike enjoyed several pastimes with friends and family alike. Often a season ticket holder for the SDSU Jackrabbits, he and Mary could regularly be found together at a Jacks game or listening (and cheering) at home on the radio. He made certain all his children had plenty of SDSU apparel no matter where they actually attended college. He was also particularly fond of SDSU butter brickle ice cream and could easily be talked into a "trip up to the college" to acquire some, regardless of the outside temperature. Mike cherished the outdoors all his life. He hunted pheasant as well as deer and relished fishing expeditions to local lakes and the Missouri River. In winter months, he would even take to ice fishing or snowmobiling and ice skating with his family. When visiting his grown children, Mike would often invite their friends to visit South Dakota so he could take them fishing. He was especially proud of his boat and teaching his grandchildren how to fish. Mike loved meeting new people and experiencing new places. Even as a young couple with a family, he and Mary planned annual family vacations that included camping road trips to scenic locations such as Yellowstone, the Black Hills and Canadian forests. When their children grew up to live in various parts of the country (and world) they often visited and explored each new city. Mike was proud to have visited places as far away as Alaska, Japan and Norway. Perhaps Mike is best remembered for his giving spirit, his gentle demeanor and his enthusiastic service to his community. Throughout his adult life he participated in several organizations such as Farm Bureau, First Lutheran Church and coaching a girl's 4-H softball team. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion where he served as Pancake Chairman, organizing regular Saturday pancake breakfasts and especially enjoyed his time in the Honor Guard. Mike also served as the Sterling Township treasurer for over 40 years. Even during his retirement, Mike continued his volunteerism—providing activities to the residents at the United Living Center (where he particularly enjoyed the fishing event) and served regularly as a docent at the SDSU Agriculture Heritage Museum. Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary; three daughters, Leslie Krump of Rapid City, SD, Melissa Tofte of Minneapolis, MN, and Amy (Tudor) Tofte of Los Angeles, CA; one son, Steve Tofte of Brooklyn, NY; five grandchildren; one brother, Harris Tofte (Pat); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents (Harold and Mabel), a sister (Connie Skovlund) and a brother (Ronald). Mike's kindness, good humor and story-telling will be deeply missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The ALS Association Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter, Children's Museum of South Dakota or to First Lutheran Church of Brookings.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is Marlyn T “Mike” Tofte's memorial?
Marlyn T “Mike” Tofte's memorial is located at: First Lutheran Cemetery, Brookings, Brookings County, USA.
When did Marlyn T “Mike” Tofte death?
Marlyn T “Mike” Tofte death on 3 Jun 2013 in Brookings, Brookings County, South Dakota, USA
Where are the coordinates of the Marlyn T “Mike” Tofte's memorial?
Latitude: 44.2979590
Longitude: -96.8247740

Family Members:

Parent

Harold Clarence Tofte

(1909 - 1992)

Mabel Johanna Quam Tofte

(1906 - 1988)

Siblings

Constance Louise “Connie” Tofte Skovlund

(1937 - 2011)

Harris Neil Allen Tofte

(1940 - 2019)

Ronald David Tofte

(1942 - 1958)

Infant Son Tofte

(1946 - 1946)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. First Lutheran Cemetery
Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2979590, -96.8247740

2. Greenwood Cemetery
Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2966995, -96.8163986

3. Saint Thomas More Catholic Cemetery
Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2970500, -96.8151500

4. Prairie Cemetery
Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2828616, -96.7981652

5. Kirby Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3120300, -96.8883000

6. Scandinavian Lutheran Cemetery
Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3486860, -96.8485590

7. First Lutheran Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3139000, -96.9289017

8. Bergh Cemetery
Sinai, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2681007, -96.9360962

9. East Lake Campbell Cemetery
Medary, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2171100, -96.8664600

10. Trinity Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3264008, -96.9421997

11. Sterling Lutheran Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3842900, -96.8540700

12. Hillside Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3342018, -96.9443970

13. Lake Campbell Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2109300, -96.8850400

14. Oslo Lutheran Cemetery
Volga, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2246700, -96.9284300

15. Saint Wiliams Catholic Cemetery
Aurora, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2833460, -96.6681920

16. Fairlawn Cemetery
Aurora, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2831001, -96.6678009

17. Deer Creek Cemetery
Bruce, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4136009, -96.8685989

18. Fountain Cemetery
Bushnell, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.3657990, -96.6667023

19. Bruce Cemetery
Bruce, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4371986, -96.8839035

20. Elmwood Cemetery
Bruce, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4372000, -96.8866000

21. South Lake Campbell Cemetery
Nunda, Lake County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1672600, -96.9182300

22. Yeo Cemetery
Flandreau, Moody County, USA
Coordinate: 44.1815900, -96.6929400

23. Sterling Methodist Cemetery
Brookings, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.4560000, -96.7863600

24. East Sinai Cemetery
Sinai, Brookings County, USA
Coordinate: 44.2299995, -97.0289001