Orin Gene Tollefson, 85, of Flandreau, SD passed away Saturday, December 24, 2022, at  VA Hospice in Sioux Falls, SD.  Orin G. Tollefson was born to Tilmer and Hazel  (Benson) Tollefson on November 28, 1937, at the New Flandreau Hospital, the first baby boy to be born there. Orin grew up on a farm northwest of Flandreau and attended Coleman Country School until 8 ^th grade, and then Flandreau High School. Orin joined the SD National Guard at the age of 18, then in February 1956 he joined the Navy where he served until December 14, 1959. After being discharged from the Navy, he met his wife of 60 years, Audrey Nissen. They were joined in marriage on February 3, 1962 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. They lived in Flandreau where they raised their four children. Orin worked  at the Flandreau Coop Creamery and then Terrace Park Dairy where he delivered milk door-to-door. He later worked as an attendant in the boy's dormitory at the Flandreau Indian School, and then drove milk truck for Big Stone Cheese Co. Inc. During that time Orin and Audrey managed the Flandreau Country Club where he took pride in cooking the "perfect steak."  Then he drove fuel truck for Cenex for 15 years. After retiring from driving truck, he worked in the maintenance department and as a bartender at the Royal River Casino. He was proud of the time he was a part of the American Legion and the Flandreau Fire Department. Orin loved camping with friends and family, golfing, hunting, fishing, playing cards and cribbage, traveling, and cutting wood. The thing he loved the most though was just visiting with people. Orin was always a joy to be around. He wasn't afraid to tell you what he thought, but he was always there for you if you needed help. Even when his health was failing, he always kept a positive attitude and never felt sorry for himself. He loved making people happy.

Orin is survived by his wife Audrey; four children, Barry, Elkton, SD; Randy (Bridget Flannery), Flandreau, SD; Deb (Tony) Shumaker, Humboldt, SD; Terry (Kristie), Pipestone, MN; eleven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Evelyn King; multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friends, Larry Anderson, Diane Stokes, and Loretta Stokes. Orin was preceded in death by his parents; four siblings, Theodore, James, Daniel, and Roger; and his special friend Chuck Stokes.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Flandreau, with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 pm Tuesday with a 7:00 pm prayer service at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau.