Claude F. Christianson

Claude Francis Christianson, a magnificent husband, wonderful father, and great friend to many, journeyed to his new life, on March 22, 2005, at the age of 81.Claude was born to Emil and Mayme Masse Christianson, on November 12, 1923, in Britton, South Dakota. He attended schools in the area, graduating from high school in 1941, at Cogswell, North Dakota, where the family resided. He joined the Naval Air Corps and, during World War II, served his country proudly, in the South Pacific. Claude chose to return to Cogswell and work with his father in the family business, Christianson's Bar, where he later purchased and maintained the family business for 23 years. In 1948, he married Madelyn Daley, the love of his life, at Cogswell, North Dakota, and to this union four children were born. In July of 1967, Claude sold his business and moved his family to Moorhead, Minnesota, to manage Ready Italy Pizza Co. After moving to Moorhead, Claude was best known, for 35 years, as a compassionate, dedicated, insurance agent for Lincoln National Life, with the R. E. Mulliken Agency. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman who enjoyed music and dancing. Claude took pride in, and experienced great joy with, his family.Claude is survived by his loving wife, Madelyn; his four children, Connie Rodney Pearson, Minneapolis, MN, Clark Diane Christianson, Mobile, AL, Craig Sandra Christianson, Valley City, ND, Clinton Sally Christianson, Des Moines, IA; and foster daughter, Lucille Gary Saewert, Denver, CO; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his brother, Warren Marlys Christianson; and his extended family and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Cleo and LaVon; and one brother, Doran.