Lee J. Christianson

RACINE - Lee J. Christianson, 73, passed away at WFH - All Saints on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. He was born in Norcross, Minn. on March 10, 1938, the son of Lawrence and Helen (nee: Collins) Christianson. Lee was united in marriage to Janet (nee: Peabody) on August 26, 1961. To this union were born two daughters, Holly (Hastings) and Penny (Gjevre). He attended elementary and high school in Sisseton, S.D., graduating in 1956. He earned his BA Degree in Art Education from Northern State University (Aberdeen) in 1962 and a Master's Degree in Art from the University of South Dakota (Vermillion) in 1966. He taught junior high in Sioux City, Iowa from 1962 until 1966, then moved to Racine, teaching Art at Case High School from 1966 until 1970. In 1970, he began teaching at Park High School, where he served as Chair of the Art Department, until his retirement in 1997. Lee was a member of Lutheran Church of the Resurrection since 1966, where he served as Chair of the Parish Education Committee, Trustee, Chair of Personnel, and Vice-President of the congregation. Lee loved many things, his family, walking with his friends, winters in Florida with lots of oysters and plenty of sunshine, sweet corn and tomatoes in the summer, dickering for a "good deal," a game of cribbage, cocktails at 5:00, Jeopardy, and nearly anything Scandinavian (especially lutefisk). Lee is survived by his wife, Janet; daughters, Holly Hastings of Racine, Penny (Scott) Gjevre of Clearwater, Minn. and their two sons, Connor and Carter; a brother, Gary (Rosie) Christianson of Stockholm, S.D.; and numerous nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Helen. Family and friends are invited to meet at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 322 Ohio Street, on Saturday, May 7, 2011, at 11 a.m. for the Celebration of Lee's Life with Rev. James Barsch and Rev. Scott Gjevre officiating. There will be time to meet with the family at the church on Saturday from 9 until 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, Habitat for Humanity, or charity of choice. DRAEGER-LANGENDORF FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY 4600 County Line Road 552-9000 www.draeger-langendorf.com