Wallace 'Wally' Ray Tollestrup

Wallace Ray Tollestrup, age 72, passed away suddenly at his home in Raymond, Alberta, on July 3, 2025.

Wally was born on October 5, 1952, in Raymond, Alberta, to Marion Arthur Tollestrup and Juliana Maria Clementina Audenaert. He was raised in Raymond, where he developed deep roots in the community he would go on to serve for much of his life. He graduated from Raymond High School in 1970 and went on to study medicine at the University of Alberta, earning his medical degree in 1977.

In 1985, Wally married his eternal companion, Diane Karren. Together, they built a life grounded in faith, love, and devotion to family. He was a proud and loving father to five children: Alana (Daine) Snow, Dalin (Brittany) Tollestrup, Julianna Baines, Natalie (Jared) Baker, and Jacquelyn (Matthew) MacLennan. His heart was also full as a grandfather to 18 cherished grandchildren: Sophie, Ivy, Adelaide, Kade, Jansen, Watson, Keston, Cooper, Vinny, Savanna, Dawson, Tommy, Blake, Benny, Molly, Mya, Teddy, and Eddie.

Dr. Tollestrup dedicated his life to healing and helping others through a long and meaningful career as a family physician. Over the course of 44 years, he earned the admiration of patients, colleagues, and friends alike for his compassion, wisdom, and tireless service. He was a fierce advocate for those in his care and had a remarkable gift for forming genuine friendships with everyone he met. Though he officially retired in 2021, his commitment to caring for others never wavered—he continued to practice medicine up to the day of his passing.

Outside of his profession, Wally found joy in the simple and meaningful things: tending to his garden, riding horses with his grandchildren, hunting, camping, golfing, and cheering from the sidelines at the countless games, concerts, and events of his children and grandchildren. He was a quiet pillar of service in the community—always offering a helping hand without seeking recognition and leading with humility and grace.

Wally is survived by his beloved sister, Barbara Nielson; sister in-laws MaRee and Sandy; his brothers, Tim and Phil; and his twin brother, Doug Tollestrup. He was predeceased by his brothers Allen, Wayne, and Steele Tollestrup, along with his dear parents, Marion and Julianna.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, at 11:00 a.m. at the Raymond Stake Center. Friends and loved ones are invited to a viewing on Tuesday, July 8, at 7:00 p.m., as well as on Wednesday, July 9, at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow at Temple Hill Cemetery.

Wally will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his family, his deep compassion for others, and a life defined by quiet strength and service. His legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

    To send a private message, please email memoriesofwallytollestrup@gmail.com 

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