Joyce Ruth Christianson

Joyce Ruth Christianson, 83, of Portland, ND died on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at her home in Portland, surrounded by her loving family, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Joyce was born on July 6, 1925 to Gilbert and Eva (Brend) Haagenson in Clifford, ND. She was raised and attended school in Portland. She attended Mayville State Teacher’s College and taught school at Primrose and Viking Townships. Joyce married Earl Christianson at Bruflat Lutheran Church in Portland on July 25, 1948. Joyce enjoyed the farm life, raising chickens, geese and cows. She was a member of the Bruflat Lutheran Church and was active in all areas. Joyce is survived by her husband Earl of Portland; 6 children, Barry (Connie) Christianson of Mayville, ND, Janice (Bob) Jorgensen of Mayville, Gayle (Dave) LaChapelle of Grand Forks, ND, Bruce (Carla) Christianson of Portland, Susan (Rick) Tastad of Mayville, and Julie (Lee) Brenna of Mayville; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 sister, Jean (Chester) VanZee of Hillsboro, ND; brother-in-law, Kenny Christianson of Mayville; sisters-in-law, Hazel (Iddo) Nygaard of Hatton, and Ruth (Norman) Lindaas of WA; and special cousins, Darlene Hanson, Almira Anderson, both of Mayville, and Duane Haagenson of West Fargo, ND. She was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation: 3:00 – 5:00 pm with a prayer service at 5:00 pm on Sunday at the Baker Funeral Home in Mayville and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 10:30 am Monday, January 12, 2009 at Bruflat Lutheran Church, Portland, ND Burial: Bruflat Cemetery of Portland