In Loving Memory
Mary Christianson
April 12, 1939 - March 7, 2020

VISITATION
Monday, March 9, 2020
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
10:00 A.M.
Bethany Lutheran Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Peter Morlock

INTERMENT
North St. John's Cemetery
Depew, Iowa

Mary Louise Christianson, daughter of Hilary and Helen (Bosold) Murphy, was born April 12, 1939 in Palo Alto County, Iowa. She began her education in country school and then attended Cylinder High School, graduating in 1958.

On January 6, 1962, Mary was united in marriage to Carroll Christianson at St. John's Lutheran Church in Depew, Iowa. To this union four children were born.

Mary and Carroll farmed near Depew where Mary was active in helping on the farm. She raised chickens and sold eggs to the neighbors. She also had a large garden each year. Mary was a devoted wife and mother serving as a 4-H leader for six years while her children were involved in the program. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her baking and delicious meals she served. The cookie jar was never empty.

Mary cleaned homes for several elderly individuals in the area. She was employed at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg and later Lakeside Lutheran Home as a nurse's aid, working for eighteen and a half years. She took great pride in her job and was very compassionate and caring to all of the residents. Mary was also a waitress for eleven years.

Mary was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Emmetsburg and Iowa Care Givers Association.

Mary enjoyed crocheting and made countless doilies as well as many caps and mittens that she donated to Head Start. She also did embroidery work that she shared with friends and family. Mary was a Minnesota Timberwolves and Twins fan and liked watching their games.

Mary was a conscientious worker her entire life, always doing her best. She was thoughtful in so many ways and never expected praise or special attention for her kind acts. She had a special gift for caring for the elderly and those that were unable to care for themselves, whether those individuals were family, friends or complete strangers.

Mary passed away Saturday, March 7, 2020 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 80. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Barbara Perkins and Joan Dockwell.

She is survived by her husband, Carroll of Emmetsburg, Iowa; her children, Jerome (Kristine) Christianson of Spencer, Iowa, Tammy (Doug) Whittaker of Laura, Illinois, Susan (Byron) Manderfield of Faribault, Minnesota and Dorsey (Todd) Thompson of Waverly, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Colton Christianson, John Whittaker, Chris Whittaker, Adam Manderfield, Sarah Manderfield, Hannah Thompson, Morgan Thompson and Ellie Thompson; as well as many other relatives and friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home