Tillman Kermit Fingerson

Tillman Kermit Fingerson, of rural Fountain, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, on December 21, 2016.

Tillman was born April 19, 1939 in Rochester, Minn., to Kermit Conrad and Alma Olivia (Redalen) Fingerson.

He grew up in Fountain, attended elementary school in Fountain, and graduated from Preston High School in 1957.  He worked on his family farm through his childhood and continued farming upon graduating from high school.   

He married Shirley Joan Bestor on October 4, 1958 at the Greenleafton Reformed Church.

He and his wife raised registered Holstein cattle.  Together they operated Shir-Man Registered Holsteins.  He had a passion and love for the dairy cattle business.

Tillman was an avid sports fan.  In addition to being a 40-year season ticket holder for Minnesota Golden Gopher Football, he was an active supporter of all local sports.  He loved spending time with his friends every morning, playing cards and telling stories.  He was also a lifetime member of Root Prairie Lutheran Church. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and will be remembered for his signature good bye of “see you in the funnies.”

Tillman is lovingly remembered by his wife of 58 years, Shirley; children: Steven (Shirley) of Rochester, Shelley (Jeff) Kinsel of Shoreview, Sharlene (Patrick) Daninger of Forest Lake, Stacy (Todd) Leiding of Fountain, Trista (Nicholas) Ruen of Lanesboro; 15 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.  A brother, Allen (MaryAnn) Fingerson, of Burnsville, also survives.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at Root Prairie Lutheran Church, with Rev. Grace Gravelle officiating.  A committal service will follow at the Root Prairie Lutheran Cemetery.  A time of visitation will take place from 5-8 p.m. on Monday, December 26th at Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to the Root Prairie Lutheran Church and and the Root Prairie Lutheran Cemetery.

Riley Funeral Home in Chatfield is assisting the family with arrangements.  To share a condolence with the family, please visit rileyfuneralhomes.com.