Jeff Christopherson

Jeffrey Lee Christopherson, at 74 years old, entered into the presence of our Lord on January 5, 2026, in Naples, FL. He was born on September 2, 1951, in Little Falls, MN. His parents were the late Arvid Windfred and Merced Marie Betty (Hellickson) Christopherson. He was the first born of 5 children. Jeff attended school in Little Falls, MN, where his father was his elementary principal. After high school, he attended Brainerd Junior College and met his future wife, Cindy Nelson, in band class via pokes with his trombone slide. They were united in marriage on April 3, 1971. Jeff entered the United States Navy in May of 1971 to May of 1975, where he proudly served his country. He was stationed in Albany, GA until the base closed and his squadron was relocated to Key West, FL. He was deployed on the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk and USS America off of Vietnam and then on the USS Forrestal before his discharge. Upon discharge from the service, Jeff and Cindy settled in Red Wing, MN, where they continued to raise their daughter, Angie, and welcome their newborn son, Jacob. Jeff was employed at the SB Foot Tanning Company as a final leather sorter. The family moved to a North Dakota farmstead in 1985, where Jeff lived the majority of his life. He managed the Radio Shack Store in Wahpeton, ND, for many years.

One of Jeff’s lifetime passions was music. He played keyboard during his college years with a rock and roll band. His favorite instrument was the guitar, which he taught himself to play at a young age, inspiring some of his siblings as well as his son to play. He sang with his church's Bethany Men’s Group of Abercrombie, at family celebrations with siblings, and gatherings, including his daughter’s wedding. In his retirement years, he was a member of the Naples Chorus of the Everglades quartets and choir, presiding as their Chapter President. Jeff was a handyman, repairing just about anything. As a member of the Wahpeton Rotary Club, one of his proudest projects was refurbishing the Wahpeton Rotary Bus. He spent hours making sure it was perfect. He loved golfing, fishing, and traveling the United States on his motorcycle, RV’s, or cruising the high waters.

In the years that followed, Jeff went on to start a new chapter of life with Meri Jac Johnson. They enjoyed their early retirement years together as Snowbirds in Naples. They shared 17 years before her unexpected passing. Jeff cherished his children and grandchildren. He relished watching them grow. He had a great sense of humor and playfulness with the grandchildren, as well as valuable teaching experiences sharing his hobbies. After Jeff and Cindy both experienced great losses of their spouses, life brought them back to the love they had shared in their youth and marriage. They have experienced wonderful adventures together in the last years, living life to the best. Jeff savored any reason to get together with cherished friends, family, eating out, the theater, and barbershop events. Jeff and Cindy were reunited in a joyful marriage celebration on September 6, 2025. They were looking forward to many more years to come.

Jeff will be greatly missed by his wife Cindy of over 30 years; daughter, Angie (Mike) Schreader of Cape Coral FL; son, Jacob (Jill) Christopherson of Wahpeton ND; Grandchildren: Sam, Lauren, and Hadley Schreader; Joseph Christopherson, Aaron (Lianna) Meyer; and Ryan Meyer; Great Grandsons: Walter, Harvey, and Albert Meyer; Sister: Jill Christopherson (John Malcolm) of St. Cloud MN; brothers Alan (Becky) Christopherson of Coon Rapids MN; Peter

(Tammy) Christopherson of St. Joseph, MN; Aunt Lajla of Annadale, MN; brother-in-law Michael (Pam) Nelson of Prior Lake, MN, and many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gary Christopherson.

A service will be held on February 2, 2026, at 1:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples, Florida 34102.

A memorial service honoring Jeff will be held May 30th at 1:30 at Vertin-Munson Funeral Home.