Lenore Christianson, 90

Lenore Mae Christianson, 90, Spruce Hill Township, died Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at West Wind Village in Morris.

Lenore was born December 12, 1921, to Jonas Leonard and Christine Johanna (Christianson) Backberg in Verndale. She was baptized at home and confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. She attended Staples public schools and graduated from Staples High School in 1939. She took teacher's training in Staples for a year and completed her education in Moorhead and St. Cloud. During WWII, Lenore also completed a course in radio communication.

Following her education, she taught in one-room country schools for nine years, including District #74 in Otter Tail County, District #11 on the south end of Lake Adley, District #64 near Spruce Centre and District #66 in Spruce Hill. She retired from teaching in the spring of 1949.

Lenore was united in marriage to Lowell Edmond Christianson on September 24, 1949 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples. Following their marriage, they farmed in the Spruce Hill Township area and in the spring of 1953, moved to live in Spruce Hill Township.

Lenore was formerly a member of Spruce Hill Lutheran Church and a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Miltona. She was a Sunday school teacher and member of LCW. Her hobbies included painting, gardening, reading, embroidery and word puzzles of all types. She will be well remembered for her generosity and caring of others.

Lenore is survived by her husband of 63 years, Lowell; son-in-law, Marcus Olsen of Garfield; two daughters, Lynette (Peter) Thorvig of Hinckley and Nancy (Randall) Baker of Hancock; son, Larry (Alice) Christianson of Spruce Hill Township; three sisters-in-law; 19 grandchildren, Seth (Joy) Baker, Lance (Rachel) Christianson, Nathan Olsen, Glen Christianson, Matthew (Kelsey) Baker, Jonas Christianson, Shem Baker, Micah Baker, Luke Baker, Ethan Baker, Kristen (Sudhir Shrestha) Thorvig, Laura Thorvig, Jennifer Thorvig, Hanna (Caleb) Baker, Marie Christianson, Daniel Olsen, Ruthanna Baker, Tirzah Baker and Jubilee Baker; seven great-grandchildren, Aaron, George, Wesley, Emmett, Landon, Henry and Abigail; along with many nieces and nephews.

Lenore was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Judy (Christianson) Olsen on March 28, 2002; two brothers, Melvin Backberg and Leroy Backberg; sister-in-law, Florence Backberg; and three brothers-in-law.

Funeral services were held Monday, September 24 at Spruce Hill Lutheran Church in Spruce Hill Township with the Rev. Michael Hanson and the Rev. James Brown officiating. Music was provided by organist, Kevin Lee and vocalists, the Rev. Michael Hanson and Evangeline Anderson. Burial was at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers and honorary pallbearers were her grandchildren.

Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral and Cremation Service; www.lindfamilyfh.com.

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