Sylvia E. Christensen

SYLVIA ELIZABETH CHRISTENSEN was born to Jacob Sylvester and Wilma Elizabeth (Doud) Johnson on March 29, 1930, in Slayton, MN. She moved frequently throughout her childhood, living near Avoca, MN; Galchutt, ND; Nashua, MN; Lincoln, NE; Pipestone, MN; Magnolia, MN; and finally settled back in Pipestone. She graduated from Sheyenne River Academy in 1948, and attended Union College where she studied Nursing. On September 18, 1948, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Wilbur Dean Christensen in Des Moines, IA. She gladly accepted her new position as Head Administrative Assistant and Domestic Administrator of Christensen & Company and immediately began working diligently to build a loving home for her and her husband, Dean. In 1950, she was promoted to Head Procreation Administrator and Guidance Counselor of Christensen & Company & Associates. Sylvia used her unique gifts and skills to love and care for her family in her new roles. She worked for many years as a wonderful homemaker. She continued to serve others in her community and her church. On Monday, April 25, 2022, Sylvia died peacefully at the age of 92 years and 27 days.

Sylvia was an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pipestone. She served in the choir, as Children’s Division Leader, Sabbath School Superintendent, Treasurer, and on the Social Committee. Outside of church, Sylvia was a member of a local social club and the Current Events Club. She loved hosting many visitors and guests at her home. When she was able to find some free time, Sylvia also enjoyed gardening, cooking, sewing, mothering, and driving fast.

Sylvia is remembered by three children; 11 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Son, Larry (Barb) Christensen of Pipestone, MN
  Peggy (Dan) Carlson of Lincoln, NE
    Katie and Alicia
  Mark (Heidi) Christensen of Parker, CO
    Liam and Kensie
  John (Chelsea) Christensen of Bismarck, ND
    Alexis
Daughter, Kathy (Erickson) of Cleveland, ND
  Amy (Tim) Soper of Silver Springs, MD
    Hannah and Grace
  Chad (Melissa) Erickson of Cleveland, ND
    Nate, Natale, Noah
  Scott Erickson of Cleveland, ND
Daughter-in-law, Lydia (Ed) Christensen-Sharon of Lincoln, NE
  Seth (Brisa) Christensen of Pipestone, MN
    Aria and Alayna
  Melanie Christensen of Lincoln, NE
Son, Ken (Tammy) Christensen of Pipestone, MN
  Michelle (Chad) Saunders of Eugene, OR
    Merritt
  Ryan Christensen of Lincoln, NE
  Joe Christensen of Lincoln, NE

She is also survived by her siblings, Mardella Bergquist of Colorado Springs, CO and Lewis (Donna) Johnson of Bowden, ND; and sister-in-law, Corrine Johnson of Breckenridge, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Dean Christensen and Bob Roderick; daughter, Linda Christensen; son, Steve Christensen; and brother, Ernie Johnson.