FUNERAL SERVICES: 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverends Marty Giese and David Cripe officiating.
VISITATION: 5-8:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.
INTERMENT: Greenwood Cemetery, Park Rapids, MN
SURVIVORS: Her two brothers: Vic (Joyce) Evans and Ronald (Betty) Evans; five sisters: Arlis (Vern) Kopperud, Shirline Evans, Glenyce (Russ) Coffin, Judy (Allan) Kurschner and Phyllis (David) Cook; brother-in-law, David Gott; sisters-in-law: Ginny Evans and Lillian Evans.
ELEANOR CHRISTIANSEN
September 26, 1927 – February 20, 2012
Eleanor Christiansen, age 84, a long time Ponsford-Park Rapids, MN went home to be with her Lord, February 20, 2012 at the St. Joseph’s Hospital in Park Rapids.
Eleanor was born on September 26, 1927 in Clearbrook, MN to Miles and Millicent (Owen) Evans. As a young girl she moved with her parents to a farm near Hines, MN. She attended the Hines Public school through the eighth grade and then went on to attend high school in Blackduck, MN where she graduated with honors in the Class of 1945. Eleanor then ventured to St. Paul, MN where she attended the St. Paul Bible Institute and graduated in 1950. As a fulfillment of her childhood dream of being a missionary, Eleanor traveled to Oraibi, AZ, where she dedicated her life working with the Navajo Gospel Mission in a career that spanned nearly 20 years. On January 10, 1970, at the Mission, Eleanor was united in marriage to Albert B. Christiansen. The newlyweds then returned to Albert’s farm near Ponsford, MN where Eleanor devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband. She was a wonderful cook and baker who enjoyed preparing many meals for Albert, the farm’s hired hands and anyone else who needed their care. Eleanor and Albert made a good team, for many years they worked together in leading the youth group at the church in Ponsford. Eleanor enjoyed leading Bible studies with various groups. When they retired from farming in 1990 and moved into Park Rapids, they led worship services at the Heritage Living Center. Shortly after Albert’s death in 1994, she moved to the Court Apartments in Park Rapids where she lived to the present time. Eleanor was a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids and was also active in the Park Rapids “TOPS” organization where she made many dear friends over the years. She had a warm and wonderful sense of humor and loved to make people laugh with her memorable Ole and Lena skits. As the eldest of 12 children, Eleanor will be most remembered for her faithful and fervent prayer for her siblings, nieces, nephews and her many dear friends.
Eleanor will be lovingly remembered by her two brothers: Vic (Joyce) Evans and Ronald (Betty) Evans; five sisters: Arlis (Vern) Kopperud, Shirline Evans, Glenyce (Russ) Coffin, Judy (Allan) Kurschner and Phyllis (David) Cook; brother-in-law, David Gott; sisters-in-law: Ginny Evans and Lillian Evans; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert; her parents; three brothers: Virgil (Donna), Neal and Wendell and a sister, Jean Evans Gott.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, February 26, 2012 at Faith Baptist Church in Park Rapids, MN with Reverend Marty Giese and Reverend David Cripe officiating. Jane Wolff will be the organist. A luncheon will be hosted for all to attend following the service. Interment will be made at the Greenwood Cemetery in Park Rapids, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-8:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday.
When I think of people who have influenced my life, Eleanor is on that list. She was a faithful servant to God and brought God's love to the people she met. We were so blessed. I thank God for her and Albert and how they influenced so many for the Lord.
I also loved her sloppy joes and think of her fondly when I make them using her "secret" ingredient.
Enjoy your welcome home party Eleanor.
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Tuesday, 28 February 2012 18:56
Nancy (Johnson) Swenson
My sympathy to Eleanor's family. I didn't really know Eleanor, since she was older than I. However, I lived only 1/2 mile from the Evans home and was close friends with Jean and Phyl. The video tribute was so beautiful, and I am in awe of what a wonderful person Eleanor was. I wish I would have had the opportunity to get to know her, too!
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Monday, 27 February 2012 10:08
Lila Yliniemi
I thank The Lord for bringing Eleanor into my life. She brought life into the Old Testament, where before, it had been hard to understand. I loved her for who she was and I am so very sorry not to be able to be at the funeral. I will miss her.
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Monday, 27 February 2012 03:00
Mark J.VonBank
2/27/'12
To Eleanors Families- My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. She was a special lady who had the brightest smile and most wonderful caring and giving heart. I remember her always coming into the grocery store where I worked. I also appreciated her friendliness and Happy Smile-she touched many lives and will be missed. Godspeed Eleanor and May You Rest In Jesus Heavenly Home Forever- With Sincere Sympathy and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota.
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Sunday, 26 February 2012 22:34
Dennis & Carol Page
We enjoyed the video presentation of Eleanor and her family! We knew many of the younger Evans family and remember when we were young hearing stories about Elenor's mission work~! We know she is a peace in the presence of the Lord! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Sunday, 26 February 2012 12:54
DeAnn (DeWandeler) Redfield
I have so many wonderful memories of Eleanor; I have known her since I was eight years old when Cousin Albert brought her home as his wife. I remember her telling how she was the oldest of 12 children and every week she would help her family by making 12 loaves of bread. She really livened up our Young People's meetings and VBS days with her stories. She was a great influence on my life as a Christian. She really loved the Lord and showed it in her service to others.
7
Sunday, 26 February 2012 10:12
Mia (Yliniemi) Reynolds
Eleanor touched the lives of many. She is especially remembered for her kindness, compassion and easy smile. Albert and Eleanor were a big part of my life growing up and attending Ponsford Community Church. Together they served faithfully. I have many good memories of church services, VBS, and youth group with Albert and Eleanor. She told the best stories! I am saddened by her passing but know she is praising her Saviour and walking on streets of gold with Albert.
6
Saturday, 25 February 2012 08:57
Tamyra DeWandeler
Eleanor was the best gift my cousin Albert ever gave me. She was such a beautiful caring person and she was very good to me as a "young person" Our family loved her very much. I remember her letting me try on her Navaho dress, it was so beautiful. She hired me and my sister to help clean house, we got way more out of that then just the money. Later on in life I got to house and cat sit while they traveled, They couldn't have been more generous. So now Eleanor is with her Lord and with Albert again, she had to wait a long time for him but I know the love they shared was one of the greatest the world has ever known
5
Friday, 24 February 2012 09:24
Kim (Yliniemi) Putnam
Eleanor was an amazing lady. She and Albert together did so much for the youth of our rural community and church. I will always remember her wonderful fannelgraphs and missionary stories that she told during VBS and Sunday School at the Ponsford church. She and Albert were such an influential part of our young lives. Our "young peoples" group would not have been if weren't for their leadership. Eleanor was always so full of smiles. She will be missed by so many. I thank you Eleanor for your service to the Lord and allowing yourself to be led by Him in order to touch the lives of so many.
4
Thursday, 23 February 2012 13:32
Sally Johnson
Eleanor was my cousin, and we both lived in Hines,mn. Always remember going to their place on the farm,and the good home made bread. we would trade store bought for there home made. She was like a second mother to her sister and bros. My Mother Ella Owen wanted to go to funeral , but she isn't able. She's almost 95 now and her health is starting to fail. I feel bad I can't make it either as going out of town. She was such a good person and the family I'm sure is very proud of her..........
3
Thursday, 23 February 2012 10:48
Anita Yliniemi Griffeth
Eleanor was my Sunday School teacher too, at the Ponsford Community Church. I remember her as always smiling and such a positive and loving person. She will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered.
2
Wednesday, 22 February 2012 14:37
Arlene Ferdig Fager
I knew Eleanor many years ago, and while we have not seen each other in some time, I remember her fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, her family and friends.
1
Tuesday, 21 February 2012 14:09
Cathy (Fry) Johnson
Eleanor taught my Sunday School class when I was in my teens - many, many years ago. She was such a blessing to our family. She will be greatly missed but I am grateful we will see her again!
I also loved her sloppy joes and think of her fondly when I make them using her "secret" ingredient.
Enjoy your welcome home party Eleanor.
To Eleanors Families- My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss. She was a special lady who had the brightest smile and most wonderful caring and giving heart. I remember her always coming into the grocery store where I worked. I also appreciated her friendliness and Happy Smile-she touched many lives and will be missed. Godspeed Eleanor and May You Rest In Jesus Heavenly Home Forever- With Sincere Sympathy and Prayers, Mark J.VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota.