Harris and Margaret Tollefsrud

The love story of Harris and Margaret Tollefsrud of Rochester, Minnesota preceded their first trip to Crazy Horse Memorial in 1951 for their honeymoon. That trip to South Dakota began a lifelong connection between the couple and the Memorial. Over the years their love grew, paralleling the progress on the Mountain and their relationship with the Ziolkowski family. They were not just admirers; they were dedicated donors for over 70 years. Like others have shared, it was their chance encounter of meeting matriarch Ruth Ziolkowski that solidified their lifelong love of Crazy Horse. Ruth introduced herself to Harris and Margaret, offering them coffee and joining them at their table to discuss the Monument’s progress.

For decades, the Tollefsrud lives were intertwined with Crazy Horse: sending donations, correspondence from Ruth and the Ziolkowski family, receiving annual Valentines made by the children, editions of Progress Newsletter updating them on things happening at the Memorial and even a visit from our traveling representative Fred Tully to the Tollefsrud home in Minnesota in 2012. Their granddaughter Katrina Tollefsrud shared with the Memorial, that all the correspondence sent over the years was kept neatly by her grandfather, a testament to their lifelong friendship and commitment to Crazy Horse.

Margaret passed away in 2006, however Harris continued his commitment to the Memorial. In 2017, Harris brought his long-time close friend Maryette Braithwaite to Crazy Horse Memorial. Harris shared this special experience with Maryette as this would be the last van ride to the top for Harris. The progress was remarkable, with the face of Crazy Horse defined and the construction of the hand was taking shape. That year Harris took home with him a bronze of Crazy Horse astride his steed, a reminder of the pride he felt to be a part of this monumental endeavor.

Harris passed away on October 17, 2021, at the age of 91 and his final wish was to make a last trip to Crazy Horse Memorial. On September 30 of this year, Harris and Margaret's granddaughter Katrina, her wife Amy, her brother Erik, and her mother Diana Paepke-Tollefsrud brought Harris’ ashes, along with some of Margaret’s ashes to the Mountain. Katrina fulfilled their last wish while on the top of the Mountain, by scattering their ashes in the wind and making them both part of the Mountain forever. The Tollefsrud’s love story is a testament to their lifelong commitment to each other and their friendship with the Memorial started on their honeymoon in 1951. The Tollefsruds and their story are indicative of the many who visit Crazy Horse, fall in love with the project, the mission, the Ziolkowski family, and the essence of the Mountain.