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Gerald B. Tollefson

January 2, 1945 ~ May 18, 2026

Born in: Minot, North Dakota
Resided in: Portland, North Dakota

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Gerald B. Tollefson, age 81, of Portland, ND died Monday, May 18, 2026 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND of complications following surgery.

Gerald was born January 2, 1945 in Minot, ND to Arthur and Rose Tollefson of Makoti, ND. He grew up in Makoti and graduated from Makoti High School. He attended UND in Grand Forks, ND and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He then went on to obtain his masters degree in New Hampshire. He served 2 years in the US Army. After his discharge he worked for the US government and that led to a business partnership with Keith Seaver. They had many endeavors including printing, photography, coins, and computer mapping. At the time of his passing he was working for the 911 system in several counties in ND, a position he held for several years. Gerald was a very quiet person who had many interesting hobbies that kept him busy.

Gerald is survived by his brother Arlyn Tollefson, Siletz, OR; his sisters Vicki Bofenkamp, Nemo, SD and LaVonne Heller, Maysville, KY; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and sister Peggy Huber.

The family wishes to thank the Sheriff’s department of Traill County ND for all the help they provided Gerald and his family. It is greatly appreciated.

A private burial service will be held Friday, June 19, 2026 at Hope Cemetery in Makoti, ND.

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  1. Gerald was my cousin and am sorry to hear of his passing
    His dad and my mother, Alice, were brother and sister.

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  2. Sorry to hear of Gerrys passing. Worked with Gerry on different projects in Traill County. My Condolences go out to his family.

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  3. Gerry was my next-door neighbor for 23 years. He would come over and we talk for about an hour each time.

    May the many memories you hold close bring you comfort and strength as you grieve his loss.

    Bruce Smeby

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  4. We are very saddened to hear of Geralds passing our condolences to all his family. I first met Gerry many years ago in Makoti through his mom Rose and a friendship developed. He was such a caring person with a big heart. We spent many hours talking about various topics to include his passion of photography and 911 mapping. Gerry taught me about his mapping system and together we were able to put together a computerized mapping program for the Makoti Ambulance. When my wife and I were married we were so honored to have Gerry as our photographer. Everytime we look at those beautiful photos Gerry will be with us! Sometimes it is the soft spoken ones that make the biggest impact on society that is Gerry. The futuristic 911 mapping technology he brought to the State of North Dakota many years ago enabled quicker emergency responses all over the state when minutes mattered. What an amazing legacy from such a humble person. Just typing this I am sure if Gerry could see this he would laugh and just say “I don’t know about that.” Rest in Peace Gerry we will meet again!

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  5. Janelle Pepple - Wells County 9-1-1 says:
    June 15, 2026

    Gerald and Keith developed the 9-1-1 mapping program that the “state radio” counties first used. They were so kind and patient with us new coordinators as we learned everything. I will always remember the kindness and gentle nature Gerald had – may he rest in peace

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