Lee J. Christianson, 73, passed away at WFH- All Saints on Wednesday, May 4, 2011.
He was born in Norcross, Minnesota on March 10, 1938, the son of Lawrence and Helen (Collins) Christianson. He attended elementary and high school in Sisseton, S.D., graduating in 1956. He earned his B.A. degree in Art Education from Northern State University (Aberdeen) in 1962, and a Master’s Degree in Art from the University of South Dakota (Vermillion) in 1966. He taught junior high in Sioux City, IA from 1962-1966, then moved to Racine, teaching art at Case High School from 1966-1970. In 1970 he began teaching at Park High School where he served as chair of the art department until his retirement in 1997.
Lee was united in marriage to Janet (Peabody) on August 26, 1961. To this union were born two daughters Holly (Hastings) and Penny (Gjevre).
Lee was a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection since 1966 where he served as chair of the parish education committee, trustee, Chair of Personnel, and vice president of the congregation.
Lee loved many things: His family, walking with his friends, winters in Florida with lots of oysters and plenty of sunshine, sweet corn and tomatoes in the summer, dickering for a ‘good deal’, a game of cribbage, cocktails at 5:00, Jeopardy, and nearly anything Scandinavian (especially lutefisk).
Lee is survived by his wife Janet; daughters Holly Hastings of Racine, Penny (Scott) Gjevre of Clearwater, MN and their two sons, Connor and Carter; a brother Gary (Rosie) Christianson of Stockholm, SD; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (322 Ohio St.) on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. for the celebration of Lee’s life with Rev. James Barsch and Rev. Scott Gjevre officiating. There will be time to meet with the family at the church from 9-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Habitat for Humanity or charity of choice.
Joe and Marilyn Kiemen says
Marilyn and I will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.Lee was a dedicated husband,father, and grandfather. He also was a humorist whose stories and Ole and Lena jokes kept his 5th Hour lunch buddies at Park loose and with smiles on our faces. The picture of Lee is perfect!