Helen Marjorie Christenson, age 94, of Buffalo, formerly of New London, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Lakeside Oasis in Buffalo. She was born July 2, 1922, in Strandburg, South Dakota, the daughter of August and Annie (Carlson) Linngren.
Helen graduated as valedictorian from Strandburg Public Schools in 1940. She worked for the Triple A office in Milbank prior to her marriage to Gordon Christenson on September 22, 1946.
Helen and Gordon were married for close to 60 years prior to his passing on July 10, 2006. The two lived and farmed in Stockholm, SD and then moved to New London in 1963 where Helen was employed at New London Elementary for many years. They were longtime members of Calvary Baptist Church in Paynesville where she served as Sunday school teacher, deaconess, church pianist, was on the music committee, and women’s society. Helen also was the lunch count taker at New London Senior Center, a member of the New London Women’s Legion Auxiliary and served numerous other volunteer positions in church and community.
Preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; parents; nine siblings, Ada Linngren, Doris Linngren, Ruth Lundquist, Alan Linngren, Elmer Linngren, Maynard Linngren, Arvid Linngren, Clarence Linngren, Lyle Linngren; sister-in-law, Lois Holaus; son-in-law, Don Tazelaar; and two grandsons, Grady and David Aanerud.
Survived by her daughters, Jean Tazelaar of Buffalo, Debbie (Tom) Ernst of Buffalo, Becky (Mike) Aanerud of Maple Lake; grandchildren, Jeff (Marisa) Tazelaar, Darren (Abby) Tazelaar, Carrie (Barry) Rhineberger, Jeff Perin, Bethany Aanerud, Lauryn Aanerud; great-grandchildren, Lexi Tazelaar, Grace Tazelaar, Braedon Tazelaar, Lindsey Tazelaar, Ashlyn Rhineberger, Evan Denkers, Kender Perin, Gelsey Perin, Ian Denkers; great-great-granddaughter, Emily Rose Denkers; and several nieces, nephews, friends and caregivers.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at The Peterson Chapel, 119 Central Ave, Buffalo. Further visitation will be held Friday, one hour prior to services at Lake Ridge Friendship Center. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 9, at 11:30 a.m. at Lake Ridge Friendship Center, 310 Lake Blvd. S, Buffalo. Pastor Chuck Dake will officiate. Burial will be Saturday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Cemetery in Strandburg, SD with Pastor Dave Fogal officiating.
Honorary casket bearers are Helen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Casket bearers are Tom Ernst, Mike Aanerud, Jeff Perin, Jeff Tazelaar, Darren Tazelaar and Barry Rhineberger.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel of Buffalo.
763-682-1363.
www.thepetersonchapel.com