John Christianson
<p>Pastor John Thomas Christianson smiled when he looked up at the helicopter that would carry him to his final earthly destination. The following day, on November 28, 2022, he would end his two-day battle with an infection and move into the presence of the God he spent his life loving and serving.</p><p>John loved life, people, conversation, food, family, and Jesus. His God was a God of love and grace, and his ministry was one of service and compassion. He felt deeply for those who were hurting. It was once said that his name and number must have been written on the bathroom wall at a local truck stop since he received so many calls for help. He was always happy to answer those calls.</p><p>John was born October 30, 1937, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, as the first of ten children born to Casper and Dorothy (née Beck) Christianson. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1955 and attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, followed by Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.</p><p>He fell in love with a parish worker named Norma during his Pastoral internship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington. God blessed him beyond measure when he married Norma A. Sandstrom at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, on June 20, of 1964.</p><p>They shared an unwavering faith and served churches in Everett and Spokane, Washington, and Beaverton, Oregon, before returning to their midwestern roots. In Minnesota, Pastor John was honored to minister at St. Lucas in Clarkfield, Israel in Cottonwood, and Word of Peace in Rogers. They retired in Lakeville, Minnesota, and enjoyed having time to focus on one another. Christiania Lutheran church became their church home.</p><p>John is loved dearly by his children, Devora (Aaron) Rotering of Fergus Falls, Christian (Lynee) of Minneapolis, John II of Lakeville; four grandchildren Ciera (Josh) Campion, Kaleb (Alyssa), Derek, and Christiana Rotering. He was very proud of his siblings, Christian, C. Owen (Linda), Paul (Anita), Robert (Kathleen), Marianne (Kate), Cindy (Tim), Dee (Dave), and Brent (Becky). John was preceded in death by his wife Norma, parents, and brothers, Christian and Brent.</p><p>Norma passed away two years ago. Due to COVID, her celebration of life has been delayed.</p><p>Such inspirational lives need to be celebrated therefore we invite you to a Celebration of Life for both John and Norma Christianson. There will be a time of sharing and visiting on Friday, January 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m., before the service at 11:00 a.m. We couldn't have a celebration for John without food, so lunch will be served following the service. Events will be held at Christiania Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN.</p><p>I will close with the words Pastor John opened every sermon with; “I have a message for you from God, He gives you His love and He wishes you peace.”</p><p>Arrangements are with the Bierman Funeral Home & Crematory, Northfield. www.biermanfuneralhome.com</p><p><br></p>Obituary
Pastor John Thomas Christianson smiled when he looked up at the helicopter that would carry him to his final earthly destination. The following day, on November 28, 2022, he would end his two-day battle with an infection and move into the presence of the God he spent his life loving and serving.
John loved life, people, conversation, food, family, and Jesus. His God was a God of love and grace, and his ministry was one of service and compassion. He felt deeply for those who were hurting. It was once said that his name and number must have been written on the bathroom wall at a local truck stop since he received so many calls for help. He was always happy to answer those calls.
John was born October 30, 1937, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, as the first of ten children born to Casper and Dorothy (née Beck) Christianson. He graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1955 and attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, followed by Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota.
He fell in love with a parish worker named Norma during his Pastoral internship at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Spokane, Washington. God blessed him beyond measure when he married Norma A. Sandstrom at Zion Lutheran Church in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, on June 20, of 1964.
They shared an unwavering faith and served churches in Everett and Spokane, Washington, and Beaverton, Oregon, before returning to their midwestern roots. In Minnesota, Pastor John was honored to minister at St. Lucas in Clarkfield, Israel in Cottonwood, and Word of Peace in Rogers. They retired in Lakeville, Minnesota, and enjoyed having time to focus on one another. Christiania Lutheran church became their church home.
John is loved dearly by his children, Devora (Aaron) Rotering of Fergus Falls, Christian (Lynee) of Minneapolis, John II of Lakeville; four grandchildren Ciera (Josh) Campion, Kaleb (Alyssa), Derek, and Christiana Rotering. He was very proud of his siblings, Christian, C. Owen (Linda), Paul (Anita), Robert (Kathleen), Marianne (Kate), Cindy (Tim), Dee (Dave), and Brent (Becky). John was preceded in death by his wife Norma, parents, and brothers, Christian and Brent.
Norma passed away two years ago. Due to COVID, her celebration of life has been delayed.
Such inspirational lives need to be celebrated therefore we invite you to a Celebration of Life for both John and Norma Christianson. There will be a time of sharing and visiting on Friday, January 27 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 28 at 9:30 a.m., before the service at 11:00 a.m. We couldn't have a celebration for John without food, so lunch will be served following the service. Events will be held at Christiania Lutheran Church in Lakeville, MN.
I will close with the words Pastor John opened every sermon with; “I have a message for you from God, He gives you His love and He wishes you peace.”
Arrangements are with the Bierman Funeral Home & Crematory, Northfield. www.biermanfuneralhome.com
Events
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
09:30 AM - 11:00 AM
11:00 AM