John touched my heart so deep in just the several months that I was blessed to get to know him and his wonderful family. My time with John was never considered work, always a face that I was excited to see! I’ve learned so much from and those lessons and smiling moments will stay with me forever. Thank you, John for always smiling and laughing, and brightening my day! You will truly be missed.
John M. Christianson
March 22, 1944 – September 24, 2011

Memorial services celebrating the life of John M. Christianson, 67, of St. Cloud will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. John passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Saturday, September 24, 2011 after a courageous battle with ALS. Pastor Dee Pederson will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will be private at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.
John was born on March 22, 1944 in Willmar, Minnesota to Maynard and Alice Jean (Reese) Christianson. He graduated from Willmar High School in 1962 and was active in track, wrestling and Boy Scouts. He attended Willmar Community College and St. Cloud State University before serving in the Army National Guard. John began his 43 year insurance career with GAB as an insurance adjuster. He then spent 37 rewarding years with Auto-Owners Insurance Company in what he called “the best job in the world”. He was recognized for his outstanding service to the insurance industry as Company Representative of the Year in 2001 and received the first ever All Industry Award in 2010, both from the Minnesota Independent Insurance Agents (MIIA). During his career, John also served as president of the Central Minnesota Claims Association. John claimed he never worked a day in his life because he truly loved his job and all of the people he had the pleasure of working with.
John married the love of his life, Sandra K. Fransen on May 17, 1968 in Willmar. They lived in Montevideo, Duluth, White Bear Lake and Eagan before spending the last 31 years in St. Cloud. They raised four children who are all married; and helped nurture and spoil five grandchildren. Family was first and foremost to John and he enjoyed nothing more than being with them.
John’s hobbies included gardening, fishing, reading, traveling with his wife and family, woodworking, “putzing” and telling Ole and Lena jokes.
He is survived by his wife, Sandy of St. Cloud; children, Chad (Becky) of Willmar, Tim (Jane) of Breezy Point, Paul (Margaux) of Lafayette, California, Joy (Brent) Scheil of Plymouth; five grandchildren, Collin & Caylee Christianson, Mercedes & Leyton Scheil and John Patrick Christianson; mother, Alice Jean Asche of Spicer; sisters, Doreen (John) Magnuson of Willmar, Alyce (Jerry) Miley of Avon; brothers, Ron (Jeanine), Kevin and Todd (Lisa) Christianson all of Willmar; parents-in-law, Robert and Dorothy Fransen of Willmar; sister-in-law, Jan (Curt) Wussow of Minnetonka; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father; and brother, Craig.
John’s family would like to thank all of the family, friends and caregivers who have provided care and support while he battled this devastating disease.
Memorials are preferred.
John was known for his positive attitude, enthusiasm for life and making sure each day was a happy day. His legacy will carry on through his children and all of the people he has touched.
Guestbook
John touched my heart so deep in just the several months that I was blessed to get to know him and his wonderful family. My time with John was never considered work, always a face that I was excited to see! I’ve learned so much from and those lessons and smiling moments will stay with me forever. Thank you, John for always smiling and laughing, and brightening my day! You will truly be missed.
Dear Christiansons: I am so sorry for your loss. Had I known this was going on with John I would have visited. I always looked forward to Happy M,T,W,TH,Fwhat ever the day he visited was. What special person. He was always interested in whatever was going on in your life or at the agency. Of course the jokes, he always was ready with a new one. We will all miss him. He was a model person and I am sure he passed it on to his kids. Gods Blessings to all of you. Steve Babcock, Fergus Falls Dairy Queen
John was the classic “people person”. His positive attitude set a good example for all of us.
Life is always too short but our visits with John lives on in our memories.
I work at Rentz Agency in Morris and truly enjoyed seeing John’s smiling face when he called on our agency. Always so friendly to everyone. Truly a great person! My deepest sympathy to all of you.
John lit up the room with his smile and his charm. His positive attitude toward life is a model on how all of us should lead our life. We will miss your smiling face and your Ole and Lena jokes John.
I have know John for many years and he always was a wonderful positive man with a big smile every time we met. It’s a great loss for everyone. My thoughts and prayers and with his family at this dificult time. God Bless!
I’ve known John for many years from when he was an adjuster to becoming a field rep. We had man interesting conversations about business over the years. I always tried to have as much enthusiasm about things as he did. He was the best with his “Happy Tuesday Everyone” when he would walk into the office. I was so glad I got to visit with him & his Sandy a little over a year ago. I offer all my sympathies to his family. I will think of him often.
We have missed seeing John this past year or so and know that he is having “happy days” now in heaven. He always had a great smile along with his positive attitude and energy. He was and will be greatly missed.
John always brightened the day at the Agency. He made everyone feel better about the day!
I admire all of you for the courage and dedication you have shown in facing John’s very difficult illness. He was a great person, I know, and will be deeply missed. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathies to the Christianson family. John was a wonderful man and always had wonderful words of encouragement. He will be deeply missed!
John was a fine man and a great guy. I would like to extend my condolences to his family.
I will always remember John’s smile and how he would wave at me as I drove by him mowing his lawn. I have faith that John is in heaven for God will surely reward him for the wonderful life he led. My thoughts and prayers are with John’s family. May you rest in peace John!
John: We’re going to miss you. But, I’ll see you. May the Peace that passes all understanding be with yo and your family.
John set the bar for the kind of person a man aspires to be. Rest in Peace.
My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends. John was such a wonderful man and his upbeat personality and care for others truly touched many hearts. May he rest in peace and his memory be eternal.
Whjat I remember abt John was he was an excellent field rep for Auto Owners. But the man could dress. His selection of hats & ties were outstanding. Peace to you John!
John will always be in my heart for his words, laughter, knowledge and many more attributes he showed me during my first few years in this industry.
“Happy Thursday” to John. This was John. I first met John in 1972 when I first became an agent. I was out of the insurance business for 20 years, getting back into the business in ’97 and being reaquainted again with a great person. My thoughts and prayers to the family and friends he has touched.
John was that special person who I always looked forward to seeing. He was so upbeat about life that he always left a little bit of it with me when he left. That is what I want to remember about this special man.
John was great friend and we had a lot of good serious talks. We teased each other, encouraged each other and I knew he truly cared for me, my family and my agency. I miss him already.
To the Christianson family: My heart aches seeing this in the paper today. My thoughts are prayers go out to Sandy and her family throught this difficult time. I am very thankful to have met John and his family through the Home Care agency. May there be plenty of “Happy Days” for him as now hes in a better place.
John was such a possitive influence on everyone he came in contact with. Many thanks for his work with the Boy Scouts. We’ll never forget his dedication.
John was an inspiration to many and it was a pleasure to know him!
My heartfelt condolences to the family on the loss of one of the nicest people I have ever met. There will be many “happy days” in heaven now!
Services
Visitation
Daniel Funeral Home, St. CloudServices
Bethlehem Lutheran ChurchSchedule Details
Memorial services celebrating the life of John M. Christianson, 67, of St. Cloud will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2011 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud. John passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Saturday, September 24, 2011 after a courageous battle with ALS. Pastor Dee Pederson will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will be private at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud and after 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church.