Shirley Gene Christianson, 89, Luverne, died Monday, March 2, 2020, at the Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
A memorial service was Thursday, March 5, at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Burial followed at Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne.
Shirley Ehrmann was born on March 24, 1930, in Aberdeen, South Dakota, to Johann and Fannie (Bretzke) Ehrmann. She was baptized and confirmed at the First Methodist Church in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She attended school in Aberdeen where she graduated with the class of 1948. She then attended Northern State College and the University of South Dakota where she earned an associate’s degree in elementary education.
On March 24, 1951, she married Richard Christianson at the First Methodist Church in Aberdeen. The couple lived wherever Richard’s banking career brought them including Aberdeen, Groton, South Dakota, and Mobridge, South Dakota. In 1965 Richard accepted a position in Luverne. Shirley loved being a mother and homemaker to their four children and volunteering at church and in the community. Richard preceded her in death in 2008, and Shirley continued to reside at their home in Luverne.
Shirley was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne where she served on the Board of Trustees as an elder, Sunday school teacher, children’s choir director and member of the Mary circle. Shirley was a past Worthy Matron of Order of Eastern Star, a member of P.E.O. and served as president of Beta Sigma Phi. She loved to play cards with her friends, especially gathering together for a game of bridge. She enjoyed traveling and took many wonderful vacations with her husband and friends.
Shirley is survived by her children, Rebecca (Randy) Boeve of Slayton, Cynthia (Steve) Connell of Orange City, Iowa, Richard (Donna) Christianson of Longville, and David (Kim) Christianson of Rosemount; 11 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; her sister, Barbara (Richard) McNellis of Bountiful, Utah; and other family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and her parents.
Arrangements were provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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