Viola Christensen

Viola B. Christensen, 87, of Crookston, MN, died peacefully early Thursday morning, June 7, 2012, at the RiverView Care Center in Crookston. Vi was born on March 26, 1925 in Crookston, one of three daughters of the union of Frederick and Nellie (Tinkham) Bennen. She grew up in Crookston and graduated from Central High School in 1943. Right after graduation she began working for the Production Credit Association, and was employed by them until 1946, then again from 1959-61. On July 9, 1944, Vi was united in marriage to Vernon "Jack" Christensen at Belvedere, IL. Vi made her home in Crookston while Jack was serving with the U.S. Army. Vi and Jack were blessed by the births of two sons and a daughter: Jack, Wes, and Mary Lynn. After Jack's honorable discharge from the Army, he and Vi spent a short time in Gibson City, IL before returning to Crookston. Because of the Korean War, Jack was once again called to active duty and stationed at Camp Rucker, near Dothan, AL. Vi and the boys were able to join him there, until they could all return home in August of 1952. The family later made their home near Fertile, MN. In 1961Vi began working for the Federal Land Bank Association in Crookston, a position she held until retiring on July 31, 1979. Jack and Vi later moved back to Crookston. They became avid golfers and could often be found on a nice summer day playing at Sand Hill Golf Course at Fertile. In 1994 they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, sharing the joyous occasion with their family and many friends. Sadly, Jack passed away on October 12, 2006. Vi was a very devoted and lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. She loved her family dearly and was very proud of their accomplishments. Vi will be forever missed by all who shared in her life.

Loving family members include 3 children: Jack W. Christensen of Downington, PA, Wesley N. (Calien) Christensen of Crookston, MN, and Mary Lynn (Scott) Wilcox of Farmington, MN; 8 grandchildren: David Christensen, Kim (Armando) Moronez, Cara (Jason) Demlow, Kelsey (Tim) Lott, Neal Schoenecker, Andy (Miranda) Schoenecker, David Wilcox, and Dan Wilcox; 9 great-grandchildren: Mackenzie, Meghan, Olivia, Madison, Jovie, Beau, Judson, Lofton, and Jack; a sister, Lorraine Brunsberg of Fertile, MN; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Vi was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Jack; 2 infant grandsons; a great-granddaughter, Belle; a great-grandson, Andrew Jack Jr.; her parents, Frederick and Nellie Bennen; a sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and Ralph Hanson; and a brother-in-law, Donald Brunsberg. May God bless Vi's memory. The funeral service, celebrating the life of Viola Christensen, will be held at 2:00 pm, Monday, June 11, 2012, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN with The Rev. Bill Reck, officiating. Visitation will be at the Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-5:00 pm, with a 4:30 pm prayer service, and also at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Interment will be at the Oakdale Cemetery, Crookston.



Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

---

Previous Events

Visitation
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Service
Monday, June 11, 2012
cemetery
Monday, June 11, 2012