Vernon T. Christianson

Vernon T. Christianson, 98 of Devils Lake died on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at Maple Manor Care Center in Langdon.

Funeral Services for Vernon will be held on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Reuben Schnaidt officiating. Burial will be in the Norway Lutheran Cemetery, rural Devils Lake with Military Honors.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Monday, June 25^th from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue on Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.

Vernon was born on June 1, 1920 in rural Devils Lake, ND the son of Alfred and Carrie (Halvorson) Christianson. He grew up on the family farm and attended grade school in rural Pelican Township.  He graduated from Devils Lake High School with the class of 1939. 

Vernon joined the United States Army and proudly served his country during World War II. He entered in December of 1942 at Fort Snelling.  He was honorably discharged in March of 1946 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.  Vernon served nineteen months overseas in Burma and India.

Vernon was united in marriage to his beloved Agnes Moen on March 10, 1944 at Fort Snelling. After the service, he and Agnes began their 70  beautiful years of love and marriage on the Moen farm at Grand Harbor Township, rural Devils Lake.  They actively farmed until 1991, retired but lived on the farm until 1997 when they moved to Devils Lake.  Agnes died on April 1, 2014. 

Vernon was an active member of the church and community. He was a life member of Norway Lutheran Church until it closed, then St. Olaf Lutheran Church, serving on various boards and committees of both churches.  He enjoyed membership in the Elks and IOOF Lodges, American Legion and was a life member of the VFW.  He served on the boards of the Farmers Union Elevator at Minnewaukan, Ramsey County Farmers Union and Lake Region Credit Union.  Vernon faithfully and with dedication served as the sexton of the Norway Lutheran Cemetery for many years. 

In his younger years, Vernon played Fast Pitch Softball and was inducted into the Devils Lake Softball Hall of Fame. He always enjoyed driving around the countryside, spending time with family and friends and was a devoted husband and caretaker to Agnes.  He loved his family, his country and his Lord and Savior.

Vernon’s family includes his loving daughters Mary Louise and her husband Jay Adam of Langdon, ND and daughter Laurel Leah Johnston, Prairie Village, Kansas; grandchildren Tanner Jay (Kelsey Christiansen) of Fargo, ND and Keeley Beth (Matt) Witzel, Shakopee, MN, Cara Marie (Perry) Golden and Cory Allan (Magdi) Hoffart; great grandchildren twins Weston Matthew and Regan Paige Witzel and Pierce Elijah Golden; sister Ann Johnson, Bismarck, ND and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Agnes; brothers Donald and Clayton Christianson.

Music will be provided by Jay Adam, Carrie Jirava and Jean Aardahl.