Obituary of Virginia Mae Christensen

Virginia Mae Christensen, age 96, of Stanchfield, MN, went to be with the Lord on December 28, 2018 at Ecumen, North Branch.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

            She was born on May 18, 1922 at her grandparents’ Meadowbrook Farm in Maple Ridge Township, in Isanti County, MN to Eva (Gerdin) and Herman Olson. She was the oldest of three daughters.

            Following her high school graduation, she attended business school in Minneapolis and then worked in an office setting in Minneapolis.  On November 30, 1946 she was united in marriage to Vernon Christensen from Wyanett Township in MN.  They built a house in Stanchfield, MN where they raised four children and several foster children.

            Throughout the years, Virginia was very involved serving at Stanchfield Baptist Church.  She taught Sunday school classes and served as a Deaconess.  She was also a great support to Vernon in his numerous business ventures, and she did all the bookkeeping to keep the businesses running smoothly. 

            After retirement, she and Vernon traveled with other couples (friends and family) to many destinations across the United States and Internationally.  They had special memories of their travels to Alaska, Hawaii, Scandinavian countries, Europe, New Zealand, and Ecuador.  They also enjoyed many friendships that were formed through Christian Campers of Minnesota.

            During her entire life, she was interested in art, painting, and in the beauty of flowers, cloud formations, and the world around her.  Even in her final years, she looked at the view outside her window from the perspective of a water-color painting.

            Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Vernon; her parents; sister Ruth; daughter Elaine Johnson; grandson Maverick Christensen; and foster son Al Newland.       

           She is survived by son Paul (Therese) Christensen of St. Croix Falls, WI, daughters Joy (Keith) Kuby of Salem, SC, J. Christie (Bill) Kowalski of Stillwater, MN, foster daughter Theresa (Jerry) Anderson of Stanchfield, eight grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, sister Grace (Dean) Swanson of Rochester, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  She will be deeply missed.

            The family wishes to thank the hospice staff and caregivers at Ecumen North Branch for their care and compassion shown to Virginia.

            Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Friday, January 4, 2019 at Stanchfield Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Walker officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Interment will be in the church cemetery.