Vivien P. Christiansen, 92, of Pender, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at Pender Care Center.
She was born May 26, 1915, near Lake Park, Iowa, to Carl M. and Hannah A. Jones Johnson. The family moved to Holt County, then to Hastings, Minnesota and Fremont before settling at Walthill. She graduated valedictorian of the class of 1932 from Walthill High School and received her teaching degree from Wayne State College. She then taught country school near Rosalie. She married Oscar Christiansen on June 6, 1940, in Silver Creek. The couple farmed in northeast Thurston County before moving northeast of Pender. She raised a large family and was Oscar’s partner in the farming business. Her husband preceded her in death in April 1979. She retired into Pender in 1982.
She was member of United Church of Pender, and formerly the First Methodist Church in Pender for more than 60 years. She was very active in the church, serving as district representative, served on the church board, wrote the monthly newsletter and was active with the women’s group and prayer groups. She was active in the Pender Women’s Club, assisting with its annual art show. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Survivors include: four daughters, Marjorie (and husband, George) Johnson and Jean (and husband, Charles “Chip”) Warren, all of Omaha, Mary Frances (and husband, Harry) Tilley of Lincoln and Helen (and husband, Ted) Olson of Atkinson; three sons, Arthur (and wife, Mary) of Lincoln, Paul (and wife, BrendaLee) and Dale (and wife, Bonnie), all of Pender; a sister, Carol Starkjohann of Fremont; a brother, Mark (and wife, Lana) Johnson of Phoenix; 22 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.
She also was preceded in death by an infant son, a brother and an infant brother.
The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at United Church of Pender with the Rev. Neal Allen officiating. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. today at the church with family present from 6-8 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill.
A memorial has been established to the church. Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.stokelyfuneralhome.com.
Stokely Funeral Home in West Point is in charge of arrangements.
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