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Anne Christensen Obituary
Her other life-guiding signs tell you that everything worth knowing is found in the Wizard of Oz, that chocolate will "buck you up," and horses – oh, those horses! – will cure what ails you.
"They are a type of therapy for me. When everything is bad and I'm having a rough day … you can go down there. They love you unconditionally. … There is a peacefulness with the old guys because they are very kind," she told student reporters at the 2011 Crazy Horse Journalism Workshop.
Anne thrived in caring for elderly and retired rodeo horses with her husband, Paul Christensen, at Trail's End, their home at Crazy Horse Memorial. They were married Sept. 23, 2000.
Born August 21, 1955, Anne Ruth Elizabeth was the sixth child of Crazy Horse sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski and Ruth Ziolkowski. Delivered at home, as were her nine siblings, her father named Anne for his mother. Of his girl with the eye-crinkling smile, Korczak said, "You'll have to watch out for Annie. She will steal your heart if you aren't careful."
After graduating in the last all-female St. Martin Academy class at Rapid City in 1973, Anne attended Black Hills State College at Spearfish. She worked at the St. Joseph's Indian School at Chamberlain, and in law enforcement before returning to Crazy Horse.
She and her brother Adam, together known as the "A-Team," used their father's "C-Z" brand for their herd of Angus and Holstein-cross cattle and black-and-white Galway Dutch Belted "Oreo" cows. They based the cattle operation near their parents' former dairy in Holstein Hollow.
Anne also directed operations of the memorial's visitor center and its centerpiece, the Indian Museum of North America. She said her parents started her interest in history by teaching her to read. "I was always curious about the old things here-like a cabin built on the site long ago, and the people mom and dad met."
They met famous and every day people, and Anne's duties included working with American Indian arts and crafts vendors, dancers, singers, writers and others contributing to cultural education programs and the annual Native Americans' Day activities at Crazy Horse.
Anne helped start such Crazy Horse traditions as the night blasts on the mountain carving to honor her parents' birthdays, the Gift from Mother Earth Celebration of Indian and Western art and the Crazy Horse Stampede. It is the only rodeo featuring Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association and PRCA competitions. The PRCA magazine deemed the Stampede one of the nation's best small rodeos.
Survivors include her husband, Paul Christensen; her mother and best friend, Ruth; siblings John, Dawn, Adam, Jadwiga, Casimir, Mark, Joel, Monique and Marinka; stepchildren, Doug and Crystal Christensen; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, May 12, at Crazy Horse Memorial.
The celebration of life ceremony will be at 10 a.m. at Crazy Horse. Private interment will be at Korczak's Family Tomb at Crazy Horse. Casketbearers are relatives Doug Christensen, Jean Riley, Cheyanne Bailey, Austin Schultz, Adam Ziolkowski and Heidi Ziolkowski. All other family members and friends are honorary pallbearers.
Memorials in Anne's name are established to the Indian Museum of North America and for the care of elderly horses and dogs.
Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home of Rapid City is in charge of arrangements.
Her online guestbook is available to sign at www.osheimschmidt.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Anne Christensen
Dale Kranzler
May 28, 2011
Our hearts and prayers go out to Anne's family.She was a kind,warm person who always gave more than was asked and who could make the hardest days easier by just being there.She will be deeply missed by all who ever knew or met her.
William Van Wyck
May 25, 2011
I have visited The Crazy Horse Site several times.
It is sad to hear that one of Ruth's Children has passed away.
I have seen the GREAT WORK they are doing it is TRULY wonderful.
My heart goes out to the Family.
My Prayers go out to you.
William Van Wyck
Fort Worth, Texas
John & Kay Hamilton
May 15, 2011
Paul and family, Sorry to hear of your loss. I wish we would have had the opportunity to have met Anne. From what we have read she was a very loving,caring and an interesting person. Our Prayers go with you.
Zena Emery
May 13, 2011
Dear Ruth, Marinka, Mark & Families,
I was so sad and shocked to hear of Anne's passing. My heart goes out to you all. Though Anne was a bit older, I remember those special occasions when Ruth would invite some of Marinka's friends to the Mountain to have a get-together for her birthday. Anne, being the older sister, was always by Ruth's side, both being most gracious hostesses, both dawning the BEST smiles! Thank you for those memories!! May it lessen your pain to know so many others care as well.
May 13, 2011
I am sorry for your loss and remember Anne always smiling.
Diane Herrmann
Bernice Seminole
May 12, 2011
My condolences to her family & friends. From Bernice Seminoe & Family-Riverton,WY
Michelle Ablin
May 12, 2011
To our dear cousin Paul and family - We are so sad to hear about Ann. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and all of the family....Diane Christensen, Michelle Ablin & family, David Christensen & family (Scottsdale AZ, Trabuco Canyon, CA)
May 11, 2011
sorry for your loss,Ziolkowski family.Dar & Keith Roeser
Jane Lund Vega
May 11, 2011
I never had the privilege of meeting Anne, but I know I would have very much enjoyed her. I extend my most sincere sympathy to her family and friends. She would not want you to become lost in grief, but to carry on and support one another through this most difficult time. Be there for each other, my prayers are with you. Jane Lund Vega, Hudson, WI
Peggy Davis Schaack
May 11, 2011
Dear Ones,
Anne was an inspiration the summer of 1979 as I joined the Crazy Horse Memorial staff. She was always doing something to make our our days enjoyable - I believe she organized the Ma Meatball dinner. What a joy to have had her and all of you to make fond memories with. Blessings to all.
Denell Cooley
May 10, 2011
My students and I would like to express our condolences at this time.Though we only came into contact with her a few times during the journalism conference, we enjoyed Anne's humor and her love for the animals at Crazy Horse. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Denell Cooley and the JA Writers.
Janine Harris
May 10, 2011
We are so sad in the loss of Anne. Our hearts ache for the Ziolkowski and Christensen families. There are no words to ease the pain of losing someone so dear and precious. Anne was so special to me and Michael and so important to many others. The love she had for family, the animals including the retired horses, cows and calves, and anyone else who was lucky enough to find a place in her heart, will never be the same. But I guarantee you that all of us are much better because of the kindness and love from Anne Ziolkowski Christensen. May God bless you and hold you and your family in His arms. Janine and Michael Harris
Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home
May 8, 2011
Ozzie & Bev Osheim and staff offer our sincere
sympathy in the loss of your loved one.
Sidney J. Keith, My father in law did painting for my mother in law
David Claymore
May 10, 2011
Maske'Anne, "the wizard" will truly be missed, She was a special person in our lives, she was truly concerned for our daughter Woope's life, that she even got tested to be a donor, she was always supportative, encouraging, and loving. She was a good friend to us.
Our prayers, thoughts and love are with Ruth, Paul, and the rest of the family. ToksaAke Maske' (sister/friend, see you again) Anne. Mr. and Mrs. David and Sydney Claymore, Wohpe, Woope, Cekpa, Tukila, Amber, and Bubu, and the rest of the Claymore Clan.
Cecilia Zebre
May 10, 2011
Anne was ahead of me in shcool but I remember how fun she was. I was sorry to hear of her passing. My condolences and prayers are with all of you.
Margaret & Bill Tretheway
May 9, 2011
Dear Paul, Ruth and family,
It was our privilege to know and love Anne. Her smile and laugh will always be a part of remembering her.
She was kind and caring to us and we will cherish the
memories we hold dear. Our prayers are with you.
Love , Margaret and Bill
Joel Berger
May 9, 2011
Ruth and Family---my thoughts are prayers are with you...so many happy memories: Guy Lombardo's orchestra, a birthday party for 'someone' in the old theater, songs of happiness---but most importantly a friend (and I feel so bad that we lost touch over the years)....
Another roomate!!
Angela Red Boy
May 9, 2011
Anne will be truly missed. Prayers are with her family.
Jack Moore
May 9, 2011
Anne is and always will be a special person in the lives of all the Moore family of Christian Life Fellowship Church and White Eagle Christian Academy in Mission, SD. Her very close relationship with my brothers, White Eagle and Robert. are an important part of our family's relationship with the Ziolkowski family. Now, of course, the three of them are together and White Eagle and Robert are singing and Anne is dancing!
Ruth, Please accept my sincere condolences on behalf of my mom and dad and myself. We are praying for you and yours. I am at your service to assist you in any way that I can.
Bill Mickelson
May 9, 2011
Paul and family.....sorry to hear of your loss. My boys remember fondly the care and attention Anne gave them when we visited the mountain. Life is not measured by the breaths we take but is measured by the moments that take our breath away.
Rayetta Jones/Zibell
May 9, 2011
I was shocked to hear of Anne's Passing I to grautated with her froom St. Martins Academy.
Rhonda Foran Otiker
May 9, 2011
I was stunned to learn of Anne's passing. We attended Custer Elementary schools together and she was alway kind and happy. I loved her smile and laugh. She will be missed by the community as well as her family. Please know you are all in my prayers and my heart at this time. Rhonda (Foran) Otiker
Anne Christopherson
May 9, 2011
Anne was special to my late husband, Gerry, and me through the last 30 years. Hopefully they're able to get back to those warm hugs wherever they are. Condolences to all of the family. Love, Anne Christopherson
Marianne (tiny) (king) Thompson
May 9, 2011
I roomed with Anne and graduated with her. Have so many great memories of those years. I will cherish the memories forever. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Karen & Brent White
May 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Paul and the entire family, Anne will be missed. May God be with you all.Sincerely, Karen & Brent White, Custer
Marie Rozier
May 9, 2011
Anne was my craziest friend and roommate at St. Martins! Oh, the things we did and got away with! I am so sad to hear of her passing and I extend my love and prayers to all her family and friends. (St Martin's class of '73)
May 9, 2011
I was shocked to learn of Anne's passing. We attended St. Martin's together back in the 70's. My thoughts are with you at this sad time. Cathy (Egger) Marti, New Underwood, SD
Wilbur & Raye Jeanne Blundell
May 9, 2011
Anne's spirit and kindness for our gifts to the museum were special. We will always remember our time with her in April. Blessings to all at Crazy Horse who will miss her as we do. Her spirit will shine on Crazy Horse Carving forever.
Thurston and Cheryl Pond
May 9, 2011
Anne will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Susan Bawdon
May 9, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God Bless and comfort you and carry you through this difficult loss.
Sincerely Joe, Susan, Cody, Casey and Cassie Bawdon
May 9, 2011
Ruth, Viga, and family..my deepest sympathy in your loss of Ann. I have wonderful memories of her when I was there doing the annual audit. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May God's promise's always be a blessing to you! Linda Black
Gary and Laurie Wilts
May 9, 2011
We offer our sincere condolences to Paul and the rest of the family. Anne will be missed by all, especially her husband Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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