Marilyn Sue Christiansen

She was born on April 27, 1929, in Escanaba to Harold and Cecile (LaPointe) Meiers and was raised in Escanaba, graduating from Escanaba High School in 1947. She began working as a secretary for the Prudential Insurance Company, then at the Escanaba Paper Mill where she met Oliver Conrad Christiansen. They were married on June 23, 1951 at St. Patrick’s Church in Escanaba and enjoyed 57 years of marriage until his death in 2008.

Like the women of her generation, Marilyn managed the family home, but her outside interests included golf (recording a hole in one in 1975), bowling, downhill and cross-country skiing, bridge, and canoeing. She also enjoyed taking care of her many houseplants and observing the many beautiful birds around her home. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs selected Marilyn as Mrs. Federation in 1984 for her dedication to the Women’s Club and its projects. She was a member of St. Patrick/St. Joseph and most recently St. Anne’s Parish, the Escanaba Country Club, PEO and the Ecanooers. Marilyn also assisted with organizing the Escanaba High School Class of 1947 reunions. Marilyn was known to her family and friends for her outgoing nature, youthful spirit, and amazing energy, well into her early 90’s.

Marilyn Sue Christiansen was a unique and remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her spirit and vitality have richly blessed her family’s lives through her exceptional love, unending support, and tireless dedication. She truly loved each and every one of her family members but had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marilyn is survived by her children Karen Moore of Escanaba, Linda Pfotenhauer of Lansing, Dr. James (Julie) Christiansen of Marquette, Judy (Mike) Werling of Decatur, Ind., Diane Casperson of Gladstone, Carol (John) Messier of Lakeville, Minn., Susan (Paul) Arndt of Kingsford, 21 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters-in-law, Leota Meiers of Marquette, Muriel Roos of Anoka, MN, Grace (George) Bickel of Carol Stream, Ill. and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Marilyn was preceded in death by her brothers Harold, William and Robert, grandchildren, Tracey and Karl, sons-in-law, Tom Casperson and Jim Moore and special friend Arthur Messier.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb.10, at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at noon with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in St. Anne’s church hall.

Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Mausoleum in Escanaba.

In lieu of flowers, Marilyn’s request was that donations be directed to the Holy Name Building Fund.

A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net.

The Crawford Funeral Home is assisting the Christiansen family.