Viola Christianson

Viola Christianson, 87 of Devils Lake, ND died on Christmas Day morning, December 25, 2007 at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck, ND. Funeral Services for Viola will be held on Monday, December 31, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Rafe Allison will officiate and burial will be in the Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Devils Lake, ND. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 5:00 p.m. Visitation on Monday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. Music will be provided by Carrie Jirava, soloist Serving as Casket Bearers for Viola will be Wade Christianson, Brian Very, Kevin Very, Jerry Miller, Kenneth Christianson and Richard Foss Viola was born on August 6, 1920 on the family farm, rural Esmond, ND the daughter of Albert and Inga Christine (Djoseland) Halvorson. She was reared and educated there, graduating from Isabel Township School. Viola was united in marriage to Clayton Christianson on March 14, 1946 in Devils Lake. They established their home on their farm in Pelican Township, where they lived, worked and raised their family through the years. In 1967 they moved to Devils Lake where they have since made their home. After moving to Devils Lake, Viola worked for Lake Region State College, as a house mother, retiring in 1982. Even after moving to Devils Lake and retiring, Viola never fully gave up her interest and participation in the farming operation. Viola was a former member of the Norway Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in the Ladies Aid. After moving to Devils Lake, Viola was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church and the Judith Circle. Viola enjoyed baking, and to her family, she made the “best” homemade buns and many other baked goodies, including “Norwegian” delicacies. Viola truly loved music and enjoyed family time around the piano and organ. Viola always kept in the know about current events and world happenings. Viola was a dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She took great pleasure in being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed any chance to babysit for the grandchildren and a good game or two of pinochle was always a special treat for everyone. Viola’s love of her family was expressed in thought, word and deed and we will forever treasure our memories of her. Viola is survived by her husband of 61 years, Clayton Son: Curtis Christianson and his wife, Ardis of Valley City, ND Daughter: Marilyn Very and her husband, Mark of Bismarck, ND Grandchildren: Carrie Jirava and husband, Matt of Ogema, Minnesota, Wade Christianson, fiancé, Becky and Lisa Christianson and friend, Aaron all of Fargo, ND; Brian Very and wife, Nicole of Burnsville, MN and Kevin Very and wife Myra of Raleigh, North Carolina. Great Grandchildren: Toby, Karli, Evan, Alexa and James Brother: Norris Halvorson and his wife, Maxine of Hoyt Lake, MN Sisters: Evelyn Miller, Devils Lake Eunice Bengson, Minnewaukan, ND Dallas Ellingson and her husband, Leslie of Oberon, ND Viola was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Audrey Halvorson, Olaf Halvorson, Manda Hogenson, Geno Halvorson, Alvin Halvorson, Leo Halvorson, Clarine Halvorson and an infant brother.