Steven Allen Tollefson

Steven Allen Tollefson of Hoyt, Kansas passed away June 5th, 2022. He was born November 11, 1960, to Allen G. Tollefson and Clarita Rae (Young) in Clay Center, KS. His childhood was spent in Auburn and Topeka, Kansas areas. He graduated from high school at Topeka West in 1979. He married his lifetime love, Dawnita Adkins, with whom he enjoyed 40 years of marriage. Steven's hobbies were many. From his youth, friends and family will remember his love of horses and rodeo, roller skating on a Friday night, cruising Topeka Boulevard once he could drive, and soaking in all of life he could. He became passionate about black powder shooting in his adult years with all the outfits and attire to pull off a genuine period persona he called Warren Young, named after a beloved grandfather. Many just called him Cowboy Steve. The men's group at the First Southern Baptist Church – the Fight Club - was a powerful force for the growth of Steve's everlasting faith. Steven was friends with anyone he met and will be remembered by innumerable acts of kindness and support for those who may have just needed a helping hand, or someone to believe in them. Steve's greatest pride and joy was his family. He enjoyed taking his family out to his land to ride four wheelers and taking his granddaughters fishing. In the words of his son, Chris: "The term 'Father' has been defined as endless love and encouragement. I was lucky enough to have an encouraging, loving, outgoing, and fun father. A dad who loved deeply, wore his emotions on his sleeve, and was – in most accounts – the most popular kid I knew! He was consistent, persistent, and showed me what hard work and balance meant. The toughest guy I knew, but also had the most positive outlook on everything." Steve is preceded in death by his stepfather Donald Caudill, and stepbrother Patrick Murphy. Steve's survivors include his wife Dawnita Tollefson; sons Chris (Jessica) Tollefson and Michael Tollefson; granddaughters Harper and Hazel Tollefson. He is also survived by his parents Allen (Madeline)Tollefson and Clarita Caudill; sister Amy (Doug) Kjellin, stepbrother Cary (Dawn) Murphy; and three nephews Erik, Andrew, and Adam Kjellin. He will also be missed by numerous extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 PM Monday, August 1, 2022, at the First Southern Baptist Church, 1912 SW Gage Blvd. At that time we can share stories and memories of this wonderful man of God who left this earth too soon. A reception is planned at the church following the service. Memorial contributions can be sent in honor of Steven Tollefson to an organization in which he had been a regular supporter, Trash Mountain Project, or First Southern Baptist Church, Topeka, KS. Donations may be made through the links located at the bottom of this webpage.