Evelyn C. Christianson

Evelyn Clara (Nieland) Christianson passed away surrounded by family on Friday, April 26, 2024.  

Evelyn was born on December 26, 1927, to Henry and Caroline Nieland, on the family farm near Arlington, Minn.  She was the fifth of six children, but the oldest girl.

Evelyn attended school in Arlington and graduated in 1945.  After graduation, she moved to Minneapolis where she attended and graduated from the Minnesota School of Business.  In order to keep her expenses low she lived with a family on the south side of the city and was the nanny to their children.  During her time in Minneapolis, she met Alvin L. Christianson on a blind date set up by her sister Marion, and Marion’s boyfriend Jay Bagne (who was also Al’s roommate).  They were married on March 10, 1951, in Arlington, Minn.

Her work career began at the Chevrolet Division of General Motors where she worked as an Administrative Assistant.

A few years later in 1956, she became the Administrative Assistant to Al Christianson after they purchased the John A. Johnson Insurance Agency, in Preston, Minn., and renamed it Root River Insurance Agency.

After settling in Preston, their children were born.  Her career then became raising Dan and Jan as well as volunteering in numerous capacities in Preston.  She was particularly active at Christ Lutheran Church.  She also enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and cards with her friends.

After Dan and Jan were on their own, Evelyn and Al spent their winters in Pharr, Tex.  Their winters together there were cut short when Al passed away in March 1994, but Evelyn continued to travel to Pharr for many more years.

As with many grandparents, Evelyn loved spending time and Facetiming with and seeing pictures and videos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They were a true joy for her.  And the grandchildren enjoyed her quick wit and stories about Dan and Jan when they were growing up.

Although Evelyn and Al both grew up during the Great Depression and both came from families who had little in the way of financial assets, they were lucky enough to do well financially and gave of their time and money back to their adopted home of Preston and Fillmore County.  They both continued that legacy of philanthropy by donating their bodies to Mayo Clinic for the education and training of healthcare professionals.

Evelyn is survived by her children Dan Christianson, Jan (Jef) Dawson, her grandchildren Alyssa (Dave) Wray, Carryn (George) Lund, Jarad (Carol) Christianson, Mitchell (Christine) Dawson and Brita Dawson, and her great-grandchildren Nick Wray, Mia Wray, Elsie Lund, Joel Lund, and Quinn Christianson. She is also survived by two of Al’s sisters and one of his brothers as well as many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

Preceding her in death were her husband Al, her parents Henry and Caroline, her brothers Elmer, Richard, Karl and Arnold; and her sister Marion.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Preston.  Visitation will begin at 10 a.m.  Interment will be at a later date at Fort Snelling Cemetery where she will be buried with Al.

In lieu of plants and flowers, please give as you are able to Christ Lutheran Church and Channel One Regional Food Bank in Rochester.

May Evelyn’s legacy be a blessing to all of us.