Dennis Victor Tolan, 60, passed away unexpectedly at his home on the evening of Thursday, October 16, of natural causes. Dennis was born on February 14, 1954, in Wolf Point, MT, a true valentine gift to Victor and Elsie (Christopherson) Tolan. Dennis, along with his older sister Lenora and younger brother Darryl, grew up south of Wolf Point in the Redwater area. His first years were spent living in a log cabin near the Hilger School, until the family moved to their basement house across the road when Dennis was eight. He attended the Hilger School through second grade, Southview School through eighth grade, and finally high school in Wolf Point, graduating with the class of 1972.
Dennis married Sandra Doornek on November 17, 1972. They lived and worked for a while in Wolf Point before moving back to the Redwater area to help with the family farm and ranch operation. During their years on the farm, Dennis and Sandra welcomed three children into their family – Kami, Sharla, and Chad. Dennis loved the farm life, especially liked working with cattle. He enjoyed the close company of his family, his lifelong friends, and his neighbors. In addition to working on the farm, he delivered mail for the Vida post office and did seasonal work for the McCone County Road Department before being hired on full-time with the county. The family moved closer to Wolf Point in 1983, making their home near Frontier School. Dennis continued working for the county, and was promoted to Road Supervisor in 1992. Sandra passed away in 1994 after several years of battling cancer, with Dennis at her side as a steadfast and loyal husband. Dennis was over the moon when he married his high school sweetheart and lifelong friend, Peggy Johnson, on July 27, 2001, on a hill overlooking the log cabin where he grew up, once again demonstrating his constant love for the people and places that were his most valued treasures. Dennis and Peggy remained in Wolf Point, and Dennis recently retired after many years with the county. He looked forward to spending his days camping, fishing and boating and taking friends and family out on the lake to fish, tube and ski. In 2012, he and Peggy fulfilled Dennis’s life-long dream of going to Hawaii and touring Pearl Harbor.
Dennis was very determined in anything he chose to do, and pursued his passions with a steady effort. Learning to play the guitar was one such effort, and Dennis was excited and nervous when his efforts paid off and he was asked to play in the “Little Bit of Country” band with friends Marvin Olson, and Rocky and Hardy Braaten. Dennis also enjoyed watching football, especially the Vikings games, and was thrilled to be able to attend two games in Minnesota – one with his son and grandson; and one with his brother. Playing cards and socializing with his friends was another favorite pastime, and he always had time to spend with those he loved. Dennis’s humor and warm personality will be missed by all who were ever blessed to share a table with him.
Survivors include his wife, Peggy, of Wolf Point; daughters Kami (Adam) Chamberlain of Billings (children T-Jay, Kyla, Amanda, Lena); Sharla (Cory) Lane of Laurel (children Tyrel, Paige, Cohlter, Dylan, Austin); son Chad (Jenn) Tolan of Billings (children Ashley, Jacob); step-daughter Jill Bible of Tioga, ND; sister Lenora (Larry) Stephenson of Circle; brother Darryl (Noreen) of Glendive; one great-granddaughter Natalia; and a very special aunt, Vera Paulson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vic and Elsie Tolan, his wife Sandra, and his son-in-law Travis Gerttula.
A vigil for Dennis will be at the Clayton-Stevenson chapel at 7:00 pm on Thursday, October 23. Funeral services will be at the First Lutheran Church on Friday, October 24, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday October 24, 2014
1st Lutheran Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Thursday October 23, 2014
Clayton Stevenson Chapel
102 Custer Street
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Friday October 24, 2014
1st Lutheran Church
Wolf Point, Montana 59201
Diane Henry says
Peggy & all of Dennis’s family
I’m so sorry for your loss, you have our deepest sympathy& are in our prayers Diane & Don (Noreen & Darryl’s Aunt)
VERNIE MOEN says
God’s Peace be with all of Dennis’ wonderful family. I love you all.
Teri Vine Eissinger says
Kami, Sharla, Chad and families; So sorry on the passing of your dad. Many thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. I will always remember your dad with a smile and a chuckle 🙂
Carol Neutgens says
My heart aches for you all. I went to school with Dennis. Starting in Jr High, we became good friends and I thought a lot of him. I will always remember the twinkle in his eye, the teasing and especially how he cared for others. He was just too young to go. Trust in the Lord and he shall guide your path. So sorry for your loss.
God Bless
Carol Neumiller Neutgens
Rocky and Nyla Braaten says
We are so sad for your loss ,Dennis was a our friend and we will miss him,our thoughts are with all the family.
Steven & Patty says
Peggy and Family,
We pray the love of God embraces you during your journey through grief.
Steven & Patty says
We pray the love of God embraces you during your journey through grief.
Carolyn Hogan & Hogan Family says
Kami, Sharla and Chad and Family, With our love and deepest sympathy, we pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared.
God Bless,
Hogan Family
Carolyn Hogan & Hogan Family says
Kami, Sharla, Chad and family. With our love and deepest sympathy, we pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories shared. Sorry for your loss.
God Bless,
Carol & Lyle Muessig says
Sharla, Kami & Chad and family. We are so sorry for your loss. I know how much your Dad meant to you. Sharla, I’m sending a big hug from us. Remember the good times and they will get you through.
Love Carol & Lyle
Jim Marmon says
Sorry to hear of your loss. Wish you and family the very best. God Bless
Bill Wolff says
So sorry to hear of your loss, he was a great guy and will be missed.
Sharon says
I’ll miss Dennis sitting at the table telling his favorite stories every summer. Hugs and love to you sister.
Marvin and Penny says
Dennis was the greatest brother-in-law ever. He was always there for us. We had so many great times and trips together. We will always remember him, as he was such a big part of our daily lives. He left this world, his way.
Marvin and Penny
Sharon Johnson Lawless says
I’ll miss sitting at the table every summer with you and Dennis listening to him tell his favorite stories. Hugs and love to you sister.
Michelle Barsness says
Our heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time. No words can help ease the pain and loss that you are feeling right now, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary, Michelle, Justin, and Jayden
Eilleen & Les Wilcoxon says
I’m so sorry to hear the loss of Dennis. He was a great guy.
Jerry Martinson says
I’m sorry to hear of Dennis passing he was a good friend. We are in SD so I will miss the funeral and saying my last goodbye to Dennis. Peggy we are thinking of you and the family with sympathy. Jerry Martinson
Mona Fast says
We are thinking of you in your great loss of Dennis. Terry and Mona Fast
Nancy Bauer says
I’ve been out of town and just heard about Dennis. I am so sorry to hear of your loss you and your family are in my prayers. Nancy Bauer
Lance Kaldor says
Dear Peggy and family; My heart breaks for you and the struggles you are facing. I only know because Dennis’s cousin Bruce Christopherson passed on May 27 of this year. Peggy thank you for your post on Bruce’s page. The loss of a beloved, I am discovering is the worse type of loss, and there is no way through it but through it. You are all in my prayers, my thoughts of comfort, and wishes for moments for the waves to ease so you can catch your breath. be kind to yourself and my deepest sympathies. Lance Kaldor