Kenneth Harley Christianson

Kenneth Harley “Ken” Christianson, 89, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Sheyenne Crossings Memory Care, West Fargo, ND.

Ken was born on March 31, 1935, in Hawley, MN, to Harry and Lillian (Engen) Christianson. He grew up in Hawley, MN, where he attended and graduated from Hawley High School. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. He was united in marriage to Marlys Johnson on November 12, 1954, in Hawley, MN. After their marriage, they moved to Detroit Lakes, MN, where they raised their family. Ken’s career was with the Minnesota Department of Transportation where he retired as a Public Information Officer. He also sold real estate and owned his own appraisal business. After his retirement, Ken and Marlys continued living in Detroit Lakes, enjoying their home on Big Detroit Lake.

Ken enjoyed golfing, fishing, puttering around his yard and house, and in his later years he enjoyed coffee with friends. He loved watching any and all sports, especially basketball and football. He and his entire family were avid Vikings enthusiasts. He also followed the Detroit Lakes Lakers and the Hawley Nuggets. Ken and Marlys were longtime active members at First Lutheran Church in Detroit Lakes. Above all, Ken’s biggest pride and joy in his life was his family. He received much joy from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and actively participated in their lives. He also cherished the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life and was a good friend to many. His family and friends meant the world to him.

Ken is survived by the love of his life and his wife for 70 years, Marlys; children, Cindy (Brad) Solheim, Jill (Warren) Hart, Karen (Christian) Johnson, and Lisa (Peter) Seljevold; grandchildren, Kate (Michael) Kosiek, Becky Solheim, Ken (Lauren) Cowan, Anne Hart, Elizabeth Hart, Peter (Eileen Downey) Johnson, Maja (Robert Muschler) Johnson, Kylee (Alex) Dalsin, Greta (Noah) Fairfield, and Emmy (fiancé, Isaiah Johnson) Seljevold; great-grandchildren, Rosie, Peter, Teddy, Wyatt, Colette, and Cameron; and many other loving relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Lillian; and sister, Mavis Larson.

Ken’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Sheyenne Crossings Memory Care Unit and Ethos Hospice for the exceptional care they provided for Ken and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Ethos Hospice of Fargo and/or the Alzheimer’s Association North Dakota Minnesota chapter. 

https://www.ethoscare.org/donate/

https://www.alz.org/mnnd

Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., followed by the Celebration of Life at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Sheyenne Crossings Chapel. A livestream of the service will be available at www.wrightfuneral.com where a guestbook and video tribute may also be found.