Shirley G. Christianson

SHIRLEY GENE CHRISTIANSON was born on March 24, 1930 in Aberdeen, South Dakota to Johann and Fannie (Bretzke) Ehrmann. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Methodist Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She attended school in Aberdeen where she graduated with the class of 1948. She then attended Northern State College and the University of South Dakota where she earned an associate’s degree in elementary education. On Shirley’s 21st birthday, March 24th, 1951, she married the love of her life, Richard Christianson at her hometown First Methodist Church. The couple lived where Richard’s banking career brought them including Aberdeen, Groton, South Dakota and then Mobridge, South Dakota. In 1965, he accepted a position in Luverne, Minnesota and the young family put down their roots. Shirley loved being a mother and homemaker to their four children and volunteering at church and in the community. Richard preceded her in death in 2008 and Shirley continued to reside at their home in Luverne. On Monday, March 2, 2020 Shirley died at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 89 years, 11 months and 9 days.

Shirley was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where she served on the Board of Trustees as an elder, Sunday school teacher, children’s choir director and member of the Mary circle. Shirley was a past Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star, a member of P.E.O. and served as president of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved to play cards with her friends, especially gathering together for a game of bridge. She enjoyed traveling and took many wonderful vacations with her husband and friends.

Shirley is lovingly remembered by her children, Rebecca (Randy) Boeve of Slayton, Minnesota, Cynthia (Steve) Connell of Orange City, Iowa, Richard (Donna) Christianson of Longville, Minnesota, and David (Kim) Christianson of Rosemount, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; her sister, Barbara (Richard) McNellis of Bountiful, Utah; and other family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and her parents.