Ardis Lorraine Christianson, 90, formerly of Austin, died early Wednesday afternoon, March 11, 2009, at Manly Care Center in Manly, Iowa.
She was born Dec. 1, 1918, to Martin and Nina (Miller) Reese in Waseca County. She was confirmed at Hartland Lutheran Church. She married Norman Christianson on Aug. 25, 1940, in Ellendale. They made their home in the New Richland area until 1955, when they moved to Austin. Ardis was a talented seamstress, often making clothes without a pattern and learned to do upholstery work. As a young woman she loved being outdoors, riding her horse, dancing and going for walks. A very gentle, thoughtful person, she was very happy and considerate of others. Ardis loved being a mom and was always there for her family. Her baked goods, especially her bread, were part of the warm, loving environment she provided for them. Norman passed away on April 5, 2001. In later years Ardis received loving care while living at Comforcare in Austin, Good Samaritan in Albert Lea and Manly Nursing and Rehab in Manly, Iowa.
Survivors include two daughters: Diane (Jim) Oldenburger of Osage, Iowa, and Norma (Gary) Nelson of Lyle; two sons: Dale Christianson of Waseca and Dean (Deb) Christianson of Watertown, S.D.; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Donald (Adeline) Reese of New Richland and Martin “Junior” (Beatrice) Reese of Grand Prairie, Texas; and three sisters: Ardella Olson (her twin) of New Richland, Doris Voigt of Mason City and Maxine Hanson of Albert Lea.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman in 2001; a son, Daniel; a brother, Merle Reese; and two sisters: Bernice Hendrickson and Viola Hemingway.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at LeSueur River Lutheran Church, 24873 155th St., rural New Richland, with the Rev. Glenn Monson officiating. Visitation is one hour before the service. Interment is at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.