Lori Ann Tollefson, 54, Minot, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Lori was born April 30, 1960 at Mohall, North Dakota the daughter of Norman and Iris (Nelson) Smith. She moved to Minot with her family when she was one year of age. She attended Minot Public Schools and graduated from Minot High School in 1978, where she had participated in Band, Tennis and the Pom Pom Squad.

Lori continued her education at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, where she received a Bachelor\'s Degree in Social Work in 1982 and a Master\'s degree in Counseling in 1983. While attending UND, Lori was a member of the Delta Gamma in which she made many long lasting friendships with her sorority sisters. She was united in marriage to Mark Tollefson on June 4, 1983 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Minot. From this union three sons were born, Jordan (29), Brandon (27) and Kellen (24).

In addition to raising their three sons, Lori was also employed with Ward County Social Services primarily in Foster Care and Child Protection Services and at Minot State University in the Child Development Program. Most recently, Lori had assisted her husband with the operation of the Carpet Garage Store in Minot.

Throughout the years, Lori was active in following her son\'s activities, especially with the Minot Hockey program. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church, served as a volunteer at the Faith United Methodist Soup Kitchen and was a founding member of the Power of the Purse.

Lori enjoyed spending many summers at Lake Metigoshe with her family and spending time in Bozeman, Montana enjoying many outdoor activities. Lori was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and a special friend to all who knew her. Her contagious smile will be forever remembered by all who knew her.

Lori is survived by her husband, Mark; children, Jordan Tollefson, Helena, MT, Brandon (Courtney) Tollefson, Minot and Kellen Tollefson, Minot; grandchildren, Nathan Tollefson and Kaiya Tollefson; mother, Iris Smith, Minot, sisters, Bev (Rich) Pardon, Minot, Linda (Curt) Zimbelman, Minot; brother, Rick (Patti) Smith, Victoria, TX; along with several nieces and nephews.

Lori was preceded in death by her father, Norman Smith.

Celebration of Life Service : Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 11:00 a.m in Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot

Public Prayer Service : Friday, March 6, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot

Visitation : Friday from Noon-3:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home and from 5:00 p.m. until the Prayer Service in Bethany Lutheran Church.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials be designated to the Faith United Methodist Church Soup Kitchen.