Joseph Leonard Christianson

Joseph L. Christianson, 94 of Devils Lake formerly of Brinsmade, ND died on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Mercy Hospital, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Joseph will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Pastor Jim Harris will officiate and burial will be in the Brinsmade Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until time of service. Joseph Leonard Christianson was born October 17, 1914 near Harlow, ND to Carl and Mary (Togstad) Christianson. He was raised and received his elementary education there. At one time he attended St. Paul Bible Institute in St. Paul, MN. Joseph was a charter member of Grace Baptist Church. Joseph worked as a farm laborer for a number of years. Following this, he was self-employed as a house painter and carpenter. He later moved to Rochester, New York and worked in construction. He then moved to Tacoma, Washington where he was employed by the American Maintenance Company until retirement. He moved back to North Dakota where he continued to reside until his passing. Joseph is survived by his brother, Orville Christianson of Devils Lake A number of nieces and nephews and their families also survive. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Helen Flaten and Clara Anderson; brothers, Millard, Selmer, Melvin, Albert, Ernest, Elmer and Hilmer Christianson.