Eleanor Christiansen

FUNERAL SERVICES : 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverends Marty Giese and David Cripe officiating.VISITATION : 5-8:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.INTERMENT : Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MNSURVIVORS : Her two brothers: Vic (Joyce) Evans and Ronald (Betty) Evans; five sisters: Arlis (Vern) Kopperud, Shirline Evans, Glenyce (Russ) Coffin, Judy (Allan) Kurschner and Phyllis (David) Cook; brother-in-law, David Gott; sisters-in-law: Ginny Evans and Lillian Evans. ELEANOR CHRISTIANSENSeptember 26, 1927 " February 20, 2012 Eleanor Christiansen, age 84, a long time Ponsford-Park Rapids, MN went home to be with her Lord, February 20, 2012 at the St. Joseph"s Hospital in Park Rapids. Eleanor was born on September 26, 1927 in Clearbrook, MN to Miles and Millicent (Owen) Evans. As a young girl she moved with her parents to a farm near Hines, MN. She attended the Hines Public school through the eighth grade and then went on to attend high school in Blackduck, MN where she graduated with honors in the Class of 1945. Eleanor then ventured to St. Paul, MN where she attended the St. Paul Bible Institute and graduated in 1950. As a fulfillment of her childhood dream of being a missionary, Eleanor traveled to Oraibi, AZ, where she dedicated her life working with the Navajo Gospel Mission in a career that spanned nearly 20 years. On January 10, 1970, at the Mission, Eleanor was united in marriage to Albert B. Christiansen. The newlyweds then returned to Albert"s farm near Ponsford, MN where Eleanor devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband. She was a wonderful cook and baker who enjoyed preparing many meals for Albert, the farm"s hired hands and anyone else who needed their care. Eleanor and Albert made a good team, for many years they worked together in leading the youth group at the church in Ponsford. Eleanor enjoyed leading Bible studies with various groups. When they retired from farming in 1990 and moved into Park Rapids, they led worship services at the Heritage Living Center. Shortly after Albert"s death in 1994, she moved to the Court Apartments in Park Rapids where she lived to the present time. Eleanor was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids and was also active in the Park Rapids "TOPS" organization where she made many dear friends over the years. She had a warm and wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh with her memorable Ole and Lena skits. As the eldest of 12 children, Eleanor will be most remembered for her faithful and fervent prayer for her siblings, nieces, nephews and her many dear friends. Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her two brothers: Vic (Joyce) Evans and Ronald (Betty) Evans; five sisters: Arlis (Vern) Kopperud, Shirline Evans, Glenyce (Russ) Coffin, Judy (Allan) Kurschner and Phyllis (David) Cook; brother-in-law, David Gott; sisters-in-law: Ginny Evans and Lillian Evans; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents; three brothers: Virgil (Donna), Neal and Wendell and a sister, Jean Evans Gott. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Marty Giese and Reverend David Cripe officiating. Jane Wolff will be the organist. A luncheon will be hosted for all to attend following the service. Interment will be made at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.