Clayton E Christianson

CLAYTON EDWIN CHRISTIANSON April 26, 1932- January 27, 2018    Clayton Edwin Christianson, age 85, a lifelong Osage, MN area resident, peacefully entered eternal life on Saturday evening, January 27, 2018 with his loved ones at his side, while under the care of St. Joseph’s Hospice at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids.    Clayton was born on April 26, 1932 in Fargo, North Dakota to Chris and Martha (Lehrke) Christianson. As a small boy he lived with his family in the Casselton, ND area. In the mid- 1930’s his family purchased a farm on the Ponsford Prairie between Ponsford and Osage, MN. He grew up helping on his parent’s farm and attending nearby country school. Clayton went on to attend high school in Park Rapids from where he graduated with the Class of 1950. As a young man, Clayton enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country as a member of the occupation forces helping rebuild war torn Korea. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Clayton returned to Minnesota and gained employment working in the iron ore mines of Northeastern MN. While home visiting, Clayton met his future bride, Joann Condit at a dance in Osage, where Clayton’s request to dance was approved by her careful parents who were her watchful chaperones. They were both struck by the magic of love at first sight and were married on October 19, 1958 at the Osage Baptist Church. Their union was blessed with three daughters: Lynn, Lori and Gail. The young couple made their first home on the iron range for several years until they returned home to the Osage area where Clayton built his family’s lake home. He worked as a carpenter in a career that spanned over 37 years until his retirement in 1994. Clayton was a man of faith who committed his life to serving his Lord and Savior in the early 1970’s. He was an active member of the Osage Baptist Church, which is now known as the Grace Community Church of Osage. Clayton’s life was deeply saddened by the death of his precious wife, Joann in 2009. In his spare time, Clayton enjoyed working with wood and rebuilding corn shellers; in fact, his skills at rebuilding corn shellers were highlighted in the Farm section of the Fargo Forum several years ago. Clayton also enjoyed ice fishing and making his famous pancakes. Above all, he devoted his life to his precious wife, his children and his grandchildren who were the apple of his eye.    He will be lovingly remembered by his three daughters: Lynn Christianson of Park Rapids, Lori (Ken) Pelzel of Lester Prairie, MN and Gail (Brian) Ahart of Park Rapids; his four dearly loved grandchildren: Gwen (Chad) Erickson of Coon Rapids, MN, Taylor Ahart and Brandon Haller both of Park Rapids and Julia Pelzel of Lester Prairie; his two precious great grandchildren: Kasey Condiff and Olivia Erickson; his two sisters: Cleo Natvig of West Fargo, ND and Marie (Robert) Hand of Osage; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.    In addition to his wife, Clayton was also preceded in death by three brothers: Walter, Glen and Kenny and one nephew, Butch.    Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, February 3, 2018 at the Grace Community Church in Osage with the Reverend Paul McKibben officiating. The organist will be Dorothy Crook. Special music will be Mark Magnuson performing “How Great Thou Art” as a trumpet solo, Brinn Krabbenhoft will sing, “In The Garden” and Clayton’s daughters will sing, “I’ll Fly Away”. The casket bearers will be: David Christianson, Dennis Christianson, Dean Christianson, Doug Christianson, Paul Hand, Jake Hand, John Hand and William Natvig. Interment will be made next to his wife, Joann in the Riverside Cemetery at Osage. Following the service, a luncheon will be hosted by the Grace Community Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 PM Friday, Feb. 2 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home with a prayer service at 7:30 PM and will continue beginning one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.