Rick was born in Fargo on December 2, 1959 to Richard and Helene (Pfeifer) Tollefson, the second of five children. He and his family moved to Jamestown when he was four years old, and he lived in Jamestown for the rest of his life.

Rick was a voracious reader and knowledgeable in just about any subject. He loved history and was somewhat of a family historian. As a child, he enjoyed sitting and listening to older relatives and family friends talk about the good old days and their stories. As an adult, Rick was an avid hunter and ice fisher before his health failed, and he also enjoyed watching black and white films and going through black and white family photos, identifying his ancestors.

He worked a variety of different jobs throughout his life, including working at Walmart in Jamestown for a number of years. Rick was very handy and enjoyed assembling bikes and furniture.

Born with a hereditary kidney disease, Rick chose not to marry or have children because he did not want to pass the disease on to another generation. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Larry Solomon. He is survived by his sisters; Judy Tollefson and Karen Solomon, brothers; Jeff (Dayle) and Bob, as well as niece Liz Solomon, nephews; Nick Solomon and Trevor (Cassandra) Tollefson, and great nephew, Trigger Tollefson.