Mercedes A. Tolzmann

Age 96 of Wyoming, formerly of Forest Lake, died July 14, 2019, of congestive heart failure. MERCEDES ANN TOLZMANN, was born in Saint Paul, MN, on September 16, 1922 to Maurice and Anna (Featherstone) Overby. Being a late arrival, she was doted on by her parents and older brothers Fred and George. Mercedes displayed an aptitude for music early on and had a fine singing voice as a child. She played piano as a youngster and mastered the xylophone when she was in her teens. George owned a lake cottage in Forest Lake and Mercedes would frequently spend weekends there. With her love of music, she would sit-in with the Faith Lutheran Church choir when “up at the lake.” Following graduation from Monroe High School, she attended the University of Minnesota and was employed at Saint Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company. She and two coworkers formed a trio singing close harmony, performing at company events as The Three Bells. This led to their singing on KSTP Radio programs including David Stone’s legendary Sunset Valley Barn Dance. Mercedes met Ray Tolzmann on Valentine’s Day, 1947, and they were married on November 15. They adopted Timothy shortly after his birth on February 25, 1952. Tracy was born on February 16, 1955, and Terry on April 11, 1957. Church and music remained an important part of Mercedes’ life as soprano soloist for choir cantatas and singing at innumerable weddings and funerals. She was also a member of Paul Manz’s Twin Cities Lutheran a Capella Choir. Purchasing a winter retreat in Port Charlotte, Florida, Mercedes and Ray would enjoy an annual cold weather getaway. Mercedes always performed on their frequent Caribbean cruises. She was a born entertainer who also did humorous monologues, often in an outrageous Scandinavian accent...it came naturally as she was half Norwegian. Mercedes was at home on the stage of the Masquer’s Theater Company which she co-Founded. After Ray’s retirement, they extended their Florida residency. As the family grew, Mercedes’ yearning to be with grandchildren led them to sell the Florida home in the late 1990s and return north full time. Ray’s health declined and he succumbed to lung and pancreatic cancer on August 30, 2000. After nearly 70 years as a member of the Faith Lutheran Senior Choir, Mercedes retired from the chorus 5 years ago when climbing the choir loft stairs became more challenging. She also feared her voice — now a fine tenor — wasn’t up to her self-imposed high standards. Mercedes was thrilled when her great grandson Aksel was born May 11, 2017. Mercedes bounced back from several health challenges with gusto, but it was this past fall when side effects of congestive heart failure (CHF) started plaguing her. On March 22, she was hospitalized and moved to Margaret’s House at Parmly on the Lake in April. She settled-in well, participating in nearly every activity. As her CHF worsened, hospice care began July 1. On Sunday morning, July 14, Mercedes entered her loving Savior’s arms peacefully in her sleep. Mercedes was 96 years, 9 months, and 28 days old; the third-oldest member of Faith Lutheran Church; she was active in the Seniors in Faith; Founding of Masquer’s Theater Company; Forest Lake Senior Center; Sons of Norway; Forest Lake American Legion and VFW Auxiliaries; 58th Bomb Wing/B-29 Association; and the Block-Heads Laurel & Hardy club. Her beautiful singing voice and natural acting talent brought joy to so many, and her love of God was a testament to a long life filled with love for family and friends. Preceded in death by husband, Raymond; brothers, Fred and George Overby. Survived by sons, Timothy, Tracy (Merrie), Terry (Donna); six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; nieces and nephews. A celebration of Mercedes’ life 11 AM Saturday, July 20th with visitation beginning at 9 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Interment at Scandinavian Cemetery, Forest Lake. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.