Violet Elizabeth Christiansen

Violet was born February 15, 1922 at 1012 Michigan Avenue in Gladstone in the home that her parents, Olaf Emanuel and Anna Martha (Magnusson) Swenson built. She graduated from Gladstone High School in 1940. She met the love of her life, Harlon Christiansen at the Swallow Inn during hunting season. He offered her a spiced gumdrop. They fell in love! Violet had a double wedding ceremony with her sister Thelma and Francis Gobert on June 15, 1946 which was on their parents wedding anniversary. Two of Violet’s daughters were also married on June 15th to honor the tradition. She was the oldest living lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. She was a Stephen’s minister and belonged to the women’s circles over the years. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, crossword puzzles, jumbles, reading and studying her Bible. She also enjoyed camping until the age of 96 and loved lutefisk and chocolate but not together. She was the best Mom a kid ever had!!!

Violet is survived by her children, Mark (Joyce) Christiansen of Cornell, Bonnie Robertson of Lansing, MI, Linda (Bruce) Attar of Walled Lake, MI, Ann (Steve) Christiansen-Bolek of Gladstone and Amy (Kraig) Dyer of Gladstone; eleven grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren, nine great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlon Christiansen, son, Duane Christiansen, brothers, Noble, Richard and Loyal Swenson, sisters, Thelma Gobert and Virginia Koenig.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 28 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the First Lutheran Church in Gladstone. Funeral services will be at 3:00 PM with Pastor Tom Otis officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. Violet will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.

The Christiansen family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to http://www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.