Wallace Christopher

Wallace Webster Christopher, 92, of Fergus Falls, was called to glory on Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at the Lakeland Hospice House in Fergus Falls. Wally was given life by His Creator, being born on January 28, 1918 near Emerado, ND to William and Emma (Kjorven) Christopher. Having received the gift of Holy Baptism at Middle Grove Lutheran Church in Makinock, ND, he grew up near Emerado, Turtle River, Manvel, and Grand Forks, ND.  He graduated 8th grade from a country school near Grand Forks and, after a brief time in high school, began potato farming.  In 1937 he was appointed a potato inspector for the North Dakota State Seed Department.  He was drafted into the army after the outbreak of World War II, being sworn in on March 21, 1942. After serving with the 6th Port of the 5th Army, participating in the invasions of Africa, Italy, and France, he was honorably discharged on September 24, 1945. Upon his return to the States he worked as a seed inspector again for a while, and then began farming near Hillsboro where he met a young waitress at Harry's Restaurant where he ate his noon meals. Donna Buethner became his wife at St. John Lutheran Church in Hillsboro on November 6, 1959, and during the next nine years the couple was blessed with four children. During his years as a farmer he served on the Red River Valley Potato Growers Association and the Equity Elevator Board of Directors. They farmed near Hillsboro until his retirement in 2001, when they moved to Fergus Falls. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lillian, and brothers Arnold, Wendell, Lloyd, Emmons, and Norman. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Donna, and their children: son Thomas and wife Jane (and their children John, Michaela, and Joshua) of Alexandria, SD; son William and Eileen (and their children Seth, Isaac, and Morgan) of Greenup, IL; daughter Echo and Michael Breen (and their children Amanda, Cody, and Spencer) of Fergus Falls, MN; and son James and Judy (and their children Jamie Grace and Caleb) of Sharpsburg, GA. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with a 4 p.m. prayer service and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church.  Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, November 22, 2010, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls with Reverends Thomas Christopher, Curtis Deterding, and Roger Lange officiating.  Military participation will be by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion. Memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Lakeland Hospice House, or the Cancer Care and Research Center research and education fund. Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of arrangements. Wallace's earthly remains will be laid to rest at Trinity-Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Fergus Falls, there to await the resurrection unto eternal life at the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.