CHRISTIANSON, Bennie B. 1935-2014

CHRISTIANSON

Posted By: Gordon Felland (email)
Date: 10/29/2014 at 19:44:41

Bennie B. Christianson, age 79, of Lake Mills, died Thursday, October 23, 2014, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, Iowa.

A memorial service was held at 10:30 AM on Monday, October 27, 2014, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Joice, Iowa, with Pastor Bill Peters officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Estherville, Iowa.

Bennie Burdett Christianson was born on August 27, 1935, at Burchinal, Iowa, to Chris and Genevieve (Naig) Christianson. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Depew. Bennie graduated from Emmetsburg High School in 1954.

On June 28, 1959, he married Shirley Ann (Higley) Christianson in Estherville, Iowa. They would be blessed with three children: Lori Jayne, Michael Boyd, and David Chris.

Bennie farmed several years near Emmetsburg before moving to the Joice area where he continued to farm. He also worked at Fleetguard Industries, and spent his retired years living in Lake Mills.

Bennie was most proud of his children and grandchildren, spending time with them whenever he had the chance. He enjoyed fishing with family and friends; and visiting with his friends and neighbors, where occasionally, there was a cup of coffee involved! He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage, looking forward to visits from his overseas cousins, and even taking a trip to Norway to visit family and tour the country. Bennie served on the Joice Elevator Board and also on church councils of which he had been a member.

Survivors include his wife Shirley Ann of Lake Mills; daughter Lori Christianson; two sons, Michael (fiancée Lisa) Christianson, and David (Codi) Christianson; and six wonderful grandchildren, Drew Messerschmidt, Kristin Messerschmidt, Ivy (Josh) Tiedman, Emma Christianson, Tuff Christianson, and Colt Christianson.

He is also survived by a brother, Carroll (Mary) Christianson; nephew, Jerome (Christine) Christianson; three nieces, Tamara (Doug) Whittaker, Susan (Byron) Manderfeld, and Dorsey Ann (Todd) Thompson; eight great-nieces and great-nephews; along with many extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.