Violet Elizabeth Christiansen, age 97, of Gladstone passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba surrounded by her children.
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.
Pam Thorbahn - Gladstone, mi
To all the family of Violet, I am sending my deepest sympathy. You’ve been so blessed to have had her for 97 years. She was always so cheerful coming to Grandma Swensons or Goberts. May your memories stay with you. Blessings,
Pam
Debra Osier - Escanaba, MI
Amy and family, please accept my sincere sympathies on your dear mom’s passing. You all were so very lucky to have had her so long!
Terry Frankenstein - Escanaba, Mi
Ann and Family, John and I are so sorry for your loss. I’m glad I was able to visit with your mom at Bishop Noa. John and I are on the road and can’t stop by to offer condolences Sunday. May God’s peace be with you all during this difficult time.
Jim ridings - Corona, Ca
Remember her fondly, and your father as well…not so much for Pete…the horse!
Thoughts for the family as you go thru this.
Jim
Diane Srutowski - Gladstone, MI
Ann and family, please know that you have my deepest condolences. May you feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you to give you peace and comfort.
Julie Majestic Brunette - Kipling, MI
Thoughts and prayers are with you and for a beautiful former Kipling neighbor.
Cory burkman - Marquette, Mi
Our sweet Violet.. She was always the second best mom we had growing up. May she rest in peace….sending hugs to all.
Jamie Gobert-Patterson - Wausaukee, Wi
Aunt Violet was a true angle on Earth. I always enjoyed my time with her. She will be deeply missed.
Nancy & Tim LeGault - Gladstone, Mi
Dear Sue and Amy,
Our hearts go out to you in sympathy and friendship. It was very obvious that you loved your mother dearly. You took such good care of her. When reading your mother’s obituary … it was easy to see that she lived a full and wonderful life. Take comfort in knowing that you brought your mom so much happiness. She felt safe with you always at her side. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this very difficult time.
Sincerely,
Nancy & Tim LeGault
Donna Caron - Gladstone, MI
God’s peace and blessings for all of Violet’s family. I am also out of town but holding you in thoughts and prayers.
Pete & Becky (Gobert) Eagle - Brampton , Mi
We were so sorry to hear of your moms passing she was a terrific lady! Our deepest sympathies.
Gary & Elizabeth Lauscher & Helmi Lepisto - West Palm Beach, FL
We can see Violet and Harlon sharing their spiced gumdrops in heaven while laughing, storytelling, and having a great time with all their family and friends who are with them!
Sorry we cannot be there as you pay tribute to your mother. Our sincere condolences to you all.