Ray Tollefson

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Ray Tollefson, (Arthur Raymond), age 91, beloved husband of Helen, died peacefully on February 19 at Presbyterian Nursing Home in Spring Park. Preceded in death by parents, Arthur and Olga; daughters, Susan Tollefson and Janice Huttrer. Survived by wife, Helen; son, Alan R. (Martha) Tollefson; grandchildren, Alan R. II (Deborah), Anson (Virgina), Adam (Stephanie) and Andrew (Deborah) Tollefson, all of Minnesota; Anne Huttrer, Susan (Thomas) Morrison, Christian (Jamie) Huttrer, son-in-law, Gerry (Cathy) Huttrer, all of Colorado; great-grandchildren, Megan and Kate Morrison, Lindsey and Morgan Huttrer, Regan Tollefson, Luke and Sandler Tollefson. Ray was born in Minneapolis and was a South High graduate. Ray started drawing as a child and at the age of 15, he took six lessons at Art Instruction Schools in Minneapolis. Later, he became a commercial artist and did most of the ``Draw Me'' drawings for Art Instruction School's advertising, some of those drawings are still being used today. His first job was with the Mineapolis Star doing cartoons. At that time he also did the drawings of the principles in the Wilber Foshay (Foshay Tower) trial. Later he worked for Fawcett Publications where he met Vogel Albinson. They both left Fawcett to start their own business. Ray did fashion drawings for Maurice Rothchild and Vogel was a lettering artist. Later, Ray went out on his own and started Artists Incorporated, one of the largest commercial art studios in Minneapolis with over 35 employees. To his credit were creating the first drawings of the Hamm's Bear and drawings for numerous advertisement to follow, Albert and Stanley (Grianbelt Brewing) and Mini, the Minnegasco flame girl. He created a series of Commercial Art Books and later started a mail order business called Famous American Studios. Ray employed or worked with many, if not most, of the well known artists Minneapolis has produced. Ray spent the latter part of his career working as an artist and art director at Colle McVoy Advertising until retirement at the age of 80. Ray and Helen and their family lived on Lake Minnetonka most of their lives. Ray enjoyed water skiing, golfing and snow skiing which he did until the age of 81. He then spent his last years working on the art of water colors. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to donor's charity of choice. Memorial service Friday, February 22, 2002 at 2:00 PM, Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis. Interment, Lakewood Cemetery. Huber Funeral Homes Excelsior Chapel 952-474-9595

Published on February 21, 2002