Christine Donna Lindstrum

Christine Donna Lindstrum
Age 71 years. Christine entered into eternal life on April 30, 2025, surrounded by her family in prayer. She is preceded in death by her husband Edward, longtime companion Mike Dohearty, parents Frank and Dorothy Rodenkirch, and siblings Joan, Michael, Jerome, Frank, and Theresa. Beloved mother of Mark, Rosie (Juan) Galindo, Rebecca (Brad) Champeau, Melissa (Steve) Specht, Jessica (Steve) Binger, Amber (Nick Ridderbush), Candice (Boh) Suh and Celeste (Joe) Evica. Loving grandmother of Adrianna (Dolly), Noah (Pumpkin), Michael (Sunshine), Zachary (Dino), Mabel (Birdie), Everett (Hunk of Burnin' Love), Emmeline (Button), Joshua (Peanut), Austin (Sweet Pea), and Teddy (Teddy Bear). Further survived by siblings Ronald, Mary, Jane, Tony, Dorothy, and John, as well as many cherished relatives, friends (especially her lifelong best friends Pat and Kathy), and her beloved puppy, Penny.
Christine was born on January 14, 1954, into a large, loving, and faith-filled family in Milwaukee, WI. One of the youngest, she loved the adventures she had with her sisters and brothers: playing together in the "lumpy field" all summer, catching butterflies and grasshoppers, playing house, and singing harmonies to their favorite songs. Throughout her life, she stayed closely connected with her siblings and was the number one fan of the Basement Band, staying late at every cornroast to dance and visit with the family.
Christine married her husband, Eddie, in 1973, and their marriage was blessed with eight children. When Eddie died in 1997, Christine called on God to help her gather strength and courage to finish raising their children on her own. She was a dedicated, compassionate, and encouraging mother, who delighted in celebrating each success, kissing every wound, listening to sorrows, offering thoughtful advice, playing (and winning) Scrabble and Catch Phrase, hosting parties, baking pies and cookies, making birthdays special, and being needed by her children and grandchildren. She was proud to teach her grandchildren how to play piano and to attend their numerous sporting events, recitals, school plays, and other activities. When others told her she was lucky for having a kind, supportive, and loving family, she replied, "I'm not lucky. I'm blessed."
Christine believed she was put on earth for two reasons: children and flowers. She worked for many years at a local flower shop, a job she cherished. Over the years, one rosebush at a time, she also grew a fantastic flower garden at her own home, carefully nurturing it the same way she nurtured all of her relationships: knowing what beauty could come with a little patience and love. Christine will be missed by all who knew her. When you see a flower, please think of her.
The family extends immense gratitude to Martha, Olivia, Sue, and Tammy, for lovingly helping them care for their mother in her final months. The family offers heartfelt thanks to the staff at Horizon Home Care and Hospice, specifically Megan and Danielle, who were a source of comfort to Christine and her children the last six months. Special thanks also to Horizon's Lawlis Family Hospice who made sure her final moments were peaceful. Finally, the family would like to thank Father Arul Ponnaiyan, Chaplain Anthony Martin, and Chaplain George Papachristou who made sure Christine's spiritual needs were met.
Visitation Wed. May 7, 2025 at Jelacic Funeral Home 5639 W. Hampton Ave. from 4 pm until 7 pm with a Time of Sharing at 6pm. Additional visitation Thurs. May 8 at Blessed Savior Church 8545 W. Villard Ave. from 10:30 am until Mass at 11:30 am. Interment Holy Cross.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Christine Donna (Rodenkirch) Lindstrum, please visit our floral store.