Walter Christianson

Remembering the life of... Walter Erwin Christianson, 86, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was born September 6, 1921, in rural Norman County near Fertile, Minnesota, the son of Carl and Clara (Rude) Christianson. He attended school in rural Fertile and later Minot, ND, and graduated in 1941 from Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1944, and was stationed with the 54th Armored Infantry Battalian 10th Armored Division of General Patton?s 3rd Army, serving in the European Theatre Operation, receiving numerous decorations for his service. He was discharged in 1946 and returned to Fergus Falls. On September 6, 1945, Walter married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Dorothy Kilde at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. He enrolled in the Palmer School of Chiropractic, Davenport, Iowa, graduating in April of 1948. He later attended the Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minneapolis, completing his degree in 1950. He returned to Fergus Falls, working for Waylander Chiropractic Office. He later purchased the practice where he worked until his retirement. Walter was an active member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where he served as elder and treasurer, was involved with Sunday School and for many years served as church organist. Walter was a member of the Gideons, American Guild of Organists, Fergus Falls Kiwanis, Veteran Service Organizations and the Sons of Norway. Walter will be remembered as a patient and gentle man, strong in his faith, a loving and dedicated family member, with a gift of music. Walter?s intellect and keen wit continued to shine in his later years, whether on the Scrabble board, in discussions of music or geography or in sharing Scripture. Walter also loved to create beautiful gardens and flower arrangements to celebrate God?s creation. Walter often delighted family with his gift of cooking. Walter's principle legacy is the Christian heritage he so firmly established and demonstrated through his faith, selfless giving, and his kind and gentle spirit. One of Walter's greatest joys in life was his family. He will be remembered as a faithful servant of God and others. Walter was truly a man of honor and integrity. Preceding him in death were his wife, Dorothy in 1995; two sisters, Florence Haugen and Lillian Strand; and three brothers, Charles, Allen and Arland Christianson. Survivors include his children, Steven (Diane) Christianson, and Joan (Bruce) Ver Steeg of Fergus Falls, Heidi (Kurt) Mortenson of Underwood, and Chuck (Ramona Jacobs) Christianson of Fergus Falls; six grandchildren: Trevor (Katy) Christianson, Titus (Mindy) Christianson, James (Lucinda) Ver Steeg, Heidi (Ryan) Retzlaff, Christopher Mortenson, Karin Mortenson; two great-grandchildren due in April; and one brother, Gene Christianson of Portland, OR. Survivors also include several sister and brothers-in-law: Sylvia and Everald Strom, Cordelia and Duane Trones, Ardith and Raymond Seaver, Mary Jo Kilde, John and Janet Kilde, and numerous nieces and nephews. "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor, prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." I Thessalonians 1:2 & 3