Marcine Joy Christiansen

Marcine Joy Christiansen, age 73, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester, Minnesota.

Marcine was born on July 14, 1952, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to John and Avery (Gwilt) Hayes. She grew up in the Prescott area and graduated from Prescott High School. Following graduation, Marcine pursued her calling to care for others by continuing her education to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Nursing was more than a profession to her; it was a reflection of who she was. She dedicated more than 40 years to caring for others, finishing her career providing compassionate in-home healthcare before retiring in 2021.

Marcine’s life was centered on family. She was blessed with two daughters, Melissa and Kari, who were the pride and joy of her life. A simple and practical woman at heart, Marcine never needed much to be happy. She was often described as utilitarian, steady, dependable, and selfless. She naturally took on the role of caregiver within her family, always ensuring others were cared for before herself.

She deeply loved spending time with those she cherished; especially during family gatherings that she enjoyed hosting. Marcine found comfort in life’s quiet routines such as reading, watching television, and enjoying her favorite programs. Over the years, she faithfully watched Judge Judy, later favoring the Game Show Network, and in recent weeks found enjoyment in classic westerns such as Gunsmoke, The Virginian, and similar shows. Though she could be stern when needed, her strength was always balanced by deep love and devotion to her family.

Marcine was well respected within her community and remembered as someone who was always there when needed a steady presence, a trusted nurse, and a loving mother, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her daughters, Melissa (John) Coleman and Kari (LeRoy) Daleiden; her grandchildren, Curtiss Christiansen, David Nesteby, and Autumn Nesteby; her best friend, Elsie Daleiden; and her special friend, Roger Erickson. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Avery Hayes.

A funeral service for Marcine will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 130 N. Grant Street, Ellsworth, Wisconsin 54011. A visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service.

Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-273-4421.