Mary Lou Christianson

Mary Lou Christianson, age 88 of Sioux Falls, SD passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Sanford Centennial Cottage.  A Private Interment at Hills of Rest Cemetery will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be directed to The Union Gospel Mission. 

Mary Lou was a Christian her entire life and, along with her husband, made sure that each of their children knew that they were loved by them and by Jesus.

A life-long student of history, especially American, Mary Lou was always willing and interested to dive into discussions about any period in history. She enjoyed political discussions and was passionate about defending her viewpoints.

One could describe her dry and dignified sense of humor as almost “British.”  In her later years she thoroughly enjoyed Downton Abbey on TV, and her children often referred to her as our own “Lady Violet” (the character from Downton Abbey) due to a similar sense of humor.

Mary Lou was a voracious reader her entire life and her favorite book was Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. She read her Bible every day. She was partial to mysteries in any format: books, TV shows, and movies.  Not many knew that she was a talented and gifted writer of short stories, yet she could never be persuaded to take the time to write a book.

Her friends were important to her and she enjoyed their long conversations.

Mom and Dad were loving partners in life for sixty-one years, partners in the dental lab, and in the business of raising and showing dogs. She worked at Dow Rummel for more than twenty years and was in charge of the front desk and payroll as well as being a department head.

Mary Lou loved all the dogs in her life.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Sonya (Tony) Hansen of Old Bridge, NJ; her son, Eric (Gloria) Christianson of Cincinnati, OH; six grandchildren, Wynn (Gwen), Andrew (Alyssa), Derick, David, Sarah, and Rachel; two great-grandchildren, Ellyanna and Salem; and numerous nieces, nephews, and several very good friends. 

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Madeline (Hahn) Berg; her husband, Robert L. Christianson Sr., her son, Robert L. Christianson Jr., and one great-grandchild, Venus.