Family Says Eau Claire Native Was Murdered in Honduras
Family Says Eau Claire Native Was Murdered in Honduras Save Email Print
Posted: 4:37 PM Nov 17, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:58 AM Nov 18, 2008
15 comments
A | A | A

The family of a 58-year-old Eau Claire native says he was murdered last week at a restaurant he owned in Honduras.

Don Tollefson was a 1969 graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School and lived in Honduras for about five years. That's according to his mother, Ruby Tollefson, of Eau Claire. She says her son owned a small resort called the Windsong Bar and Cafe on the island of Roatan.

She says police told the family that last Thursday, several people broke into his bar and shot and killed him during a robbery.

A State Department spokesperson says the department is aware of an American citizen being killed in Roatan and authorities in the area have informed the State Department that there are suspects in custody.
More Stories
WEAU 13 News Director John Hoffland passes away

Share Your Memories of "Hoffland"

Offensive fireworks yanked from shelves

Picnics and Protests Highlight Area Fourth of July Festivities

 How to respectfully dispose of an American flag

Wisconsin wardens on the lookout to avoid spread of VHS

Couple weds on parade float

5 motorcycles crash
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
By posting this comment I have read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy:
You must agree to the Terms of Service to continue.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Debra Woolard Location: Lake Geneva, WI on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:34 AM
My sympathy extended again to Don's family and friends. Let's get this to Nancy Grace's attention. Yes, we do not need another Aruba mystery
Posted by: Debra Woolard Location: Lake Geneva, WI on Nov 26, 2008 at 10:15 AM
I am Richard's sister and I am so sorry that this could happen in Don's paradise. So kind and giving. He never harmed a soul. Yes, lots of fun, laughs and great food. His dishes were exceptional and beautiful. I would spend a few days at a time up north Wisconsin with them and never wanted to leave. To my brother Richard, I am so sorry. To Mom, I grieve for you as I have also lost a son. To Betty and extended family, my heart goes out to all of you. I sincerely miss a true friend.
Posted by: Michelle Location: Wisconsin on Nov 24, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Rich was my son's kindergarten teacher in Ladysmith back in the early 80's. We became great friends with his family and later met Don when we lived in Chippewa Falls at the same time. My deepest sympathies to Rich and Don's family. Don was such a sweet guy. What a horrible tragedy. Does anyone have an address to reach Rich at? Thanks.
Posted by: Barb Location: Dillsburg, PA on Nov 21, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Don is my cousin. In early childhood our families spent a lot of time together. We always had a good time and a lot of laughs. His whole family means a lot to us. I don't understand why something like this would happen to him, and that my Aunt Ruby and cousin Betty have to go through this. Please pray for his family. They have lost so much.
Posted by: Wendy Location: Deline Northwest Territories Canada on Nov 20, 2008 at 07:38 PM
I live on Roatan and occasionally work back in Canada. I don't know if I can add anything to the previous post by "Andrew" who happens to be my husband. Don was our best friend, and even on a bad day,(yes...we have those in paradise too!), Don could make me see all was right with the world.. I will miss him severely, and my hearfelt prayers go out to Richard and Don's mom and sister in Wisconsin. He spoke of them often and he had hoped to get back to visit his mom in the near future. I love you Don, and you may be gone, but you're never forgotten. You'll live in our hearts forever.
Posted by: Andrew Location: Roatan on Nov 20, 2008 at 11:07 AM
My best friend here on the island is gone. I live within talking distance of Don and would hear the screen door open and close in the morning....grab a cup of coffee and head over. We would bs, watch the humming birds, feed his dog Rocky hot dogs and let him drink out of the hose. The view from the deck of the north side of Roatan is such that all your worries.....the worlds problems....the fire ant's bites around your ankles didn't matter. We would talk of the past, present and future. Don's presence was a God send. He would always be looking for his glasses, which half the time were on his forhead. I will miss him more than I figured I was able to. To his family my heart goes out.....know that Don touched peoples lives such that we are all missing something with his passing. Carry on my friend, you are with us all the time and we will never forget you.
Posted by: Kerry Location: Chippewa Falls, WI on Nov 19, 2008 at 06:41 PM
Our sympathy goes out to Don's family and friends. My husband and I had the pleasure of meeting Don in Roatan last April. We were on a day tour of the island bouncing along in a jeep and found ourselves in front of Windsong just as Don was opening the gate. We were all surprised to find that we had Lake Wissota, Chippewa Falls in common. We had a good laugh and enjoyed a marvelous lunch on the deck of Windsong - a place he obviously loved. So sorry to hear of his tragic death.
Posted by: Stacy Location: Eau Claire on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:04 PM
I can't express enough sympathy to Don's family and also to Richard. For several years Richard and Don were my neighbors in Chippewa Falls. They are by far two of the most kind and caring people that I have ever met. I just learned of this tragedy today, and I am heartbroken. I know how much both of them LOVED Honduras with such a passion. They would travel there every single chance they could. And I remember when they finally decided to move there permanently; they were so happy. I also remember when they would stop by and say hello when back in WI. Truly wonderful people. Don, you were a wonderful man, and will forever be missed.
Posted by: Amy Location: Connecticut on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:49 PM
Met and spent time with Don this summer while spending a month on Roatan. He was such a wonderful man. He was so good to me and my boyfriend and our time spent with him hanging on the deck of the Windsong, having coffee in the morning, and drinks at night were some of the best parts of our trip. Roatan has suffered a tremendous loss. To his family - know that Don was so loved by so many. He was an amazing man with a huge heart who cared deeply for so many and showed it in so many ways. We feel blessed to have met him and spent some time with him each day last summer. We grew to love Don like someone we had known all our lives. Our sympathy to Rich and his family.
Posted by: Robin Location: New York on Nov 18, 2008 at 03:27 PM
It is very sad to think of something like this happening to to this person. I met Don and ate at his restaurant whith my family when we were staying in the area last Christmas. He was a wonderful host and we came back to the restaurant a few more times over our two week stay. His place was a welcome and peaceful site to gather and meat many other wonderful people. He was very kind and gerous. My heart goes out to his family and freinds. It is a loss for many. The Windsong was a place for people to gather and have a nice time together, he was such a great host.
Posted by: Mike Location: Eau Claire on Nov 18, 2008 at 06:43 AM
Don was a sweet and caring man whose loss will be felt by many. Going to Roatan and using his craftmanship of remodeling and building was his passion. My sympathy to Rich and the Tollefson Family.
Posted by: thomas Location: florida on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:32 PM
my bad, 1969 graduate not birth date. that unfortunatly fits. he loved the island. tripp
Posted by: thomas Location: florida on Nov 17, 2008 at 09:25 PM
I met the owner of windsong about two years ago. He was definitly born after 1969. The man I met was from the midwest, I believe. tripp
Posted by: Renee Location: Texas on Nov 17, 2008 at 08:47 PM
My husband and I spent several months in Roatan, and we had the pleasure of meeting Don and dining at his cafe. We really enjoyed meeting him, and we are very sorry for to hear that this has happened.
Posted by: Observer Location: Durand on Nov 17, 2008 at 05:12 PM
It is nice to hear they have suspects in custody, BUT, I certainly hope they have a better justice system than Aruba.
WEAU.com most popular
wi jobs
Check out the latest job postings from the WEAU Job Board! View More Jobs.