Phillip Tollefson

It is with profound sadness we announce the death of Phillip Henry Tollefson, who passed away at his home in Wichita, Kansas on September 4th, 2026, surrounded by his wife of 47 years, Ingrid, his son Phillip Henry James (PJ), and his daughter Karin. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Kelly, his grandchildren Colt and Chloe and many close friends and relatives.

Phil was the third and youngest child of Henry “Hank” and Henrietta Sinclair Tollefson. Born on November 10, 1950, he was raised in Horton, Kansas. After completing high school, he attended The University of Kansas, graduating with a degree in engineering. Phil then moved to Dallas, Texas where he worked at Black & Veatch. He met Ingrid Lucie Freeman in Dallas, and they were married on October 5, 1978, in Dallas, Texas.

Phil and Ingrid moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1982 after Phil took a job at Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU). After moving to Colorado, Phil earned his Master’s Degree in public administration from The University of Colorado. In 1992, Phil became the Utilities Director and in 1993, the first CEO of CSU. Phil and Ingrid raised PJ and Karin in Colorado Springs, residing there for more than 30 years. During his life, Phil cherished his work and colleagues, made countless friends and was well respected. His completion of the Southern Delivery System (SDS) pipeline was among his greatest professional achievements. In 2018, Colorado Springs renamed the Mesa Water Treatment Plant the Phillip H. Tollefson Mesa Water Treatment Plant to honor his service and many professional accomplishments with CSU. After retiring in 2005, Phil and Ingrid moved to Phoenix, Arizona for several years. They eventually settled in Wichita, Kansas in 2019.

Phil was described by many as brilliant. He was an avid carpenter, connoisseur of classical music, the arts, and opera. Despite his high intelligence, he remained humble and enjoyed telling jokes and being silly with friends and family.

Phil was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He was proud of his family heritage, and his family is proud to carry on his name and legacy.

Services in his honor will be held in Colorado Springs at a later date. In lieu of flowers and other gifts, the family encourages a gift to be made in his honor to the Colorado Springs Utilities Project COPE Community Focus Fund, https://projectcopecs.org/give-hope or P.O. Box 2278 Colorado Springs, CO 80901.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.