Violette "Vi" Evelyn Christensen

Violette (Vi) Evelyn (Peterson) Christensen joined her parents, Alfred and Esther (Olson) Peterson as their first born on September 28, 1919. Born in rural Trimont, MN, she spent her early childhood there until the family moved to Sebeka, MN to clear land and homestead. Vi attended and completed her high education at Sebeka. Her organizational and accounting skills brought her success in numerous business jobs as she was the bookkeeper for an uncle’s feed and seed business, and 2 general stores in Sebeka after high school. She moved to Minneapolis, and continued with bookkeeping/accounting work for Sears Roebuck and Co. While working in Minneapolis, Vi attended LBI (Lutheran Bible Institute where she met a fellow student, Harold Christensen of rural Scranton, IA. The two were married at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Minneapolis on September 15, 1951 and began their married lives at the Christensen family farm west of Scranton, shared by Harold’s parents, Tinus and Ella Christensen. Vi was an avid fruit and vegetable gardener, making sure each year’s harvest filled the shelves and freezers. She worked alongside Harold in their grain and livestock operation. Harold and Vi raised their two children, Glen(Cheryl) Christensen and Sharon(John) Stalder on the family farm in the home that Harold built. An integral part of Vi’s life was her faith and church activity. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. For over 15 years Vi was the Sunday School Superintendent at First Lutheran Church, Scranton. In later years Vi was active in the Scranton United Methodist Church UMW, Tri-T, and shared her love of quilting as a member of the PEACEMAKERS quilting group. After retiring from farm duties, quilting became a passion of Vi’s, and she took pride in mass producing the pattern ,”Grandmother’s Flower Garden” by hand stitching a gift to each of her grandchildren, sisters, and nieces. Vi was blessed with 7 grandchildren, all of whom were raised within ¼ mile of Gramma’s house, and with pleasure she has watched 5, almost the 6th, complete one or more college degrees. Grandchildren are Kyle (Cheri) Stalder, Breanne (Jacen) VonDielingen, Bethany(Jayson) Persch, Karlin Stalder, Ryan Christensen, Randy (Jenni) Christensen, and Matthew Christensen. Vi was also blessed with great grandchildren Bryce, Kaylee, and Zack Stalder, and soon to be baby VonDielingen. Preceding her in death were her husband, Harold, her parents Alfred and Esther, grandson, Ryan Christensen, sister Ethel Agrimson, brother-in-law, Orville Agrmison. Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, 2010 at 11AM, at the Scranton United Methodist Church. Visitation will be Thursday, March 11, 2010 from 5-8 PM at the Dahn and Woodhouse Funeral Home in Scranton. Memorials may be made to Greene County Relay for Life. God bless the memory of this special ‘lil Swedish lady.