Bernice Christenson

Obituary

Burnice Dagmar Genevieve Christenson was born December 11, 1920 to Hilda and John Johnson in Franklin, Minnesota. She was the first of four children born to Hilda and John. Burnice was baptized, confirmed, and married in her beloved Swedlanda Lutheran Church. After Burnice graduated from Franklin Public School, she attended and graduated from the Minneapolis School of Business, and then moved to Herman, Minnesota where she worked at the Herman Co-op Elevator. 

After her marriage to Jake Christenson on October 23, 1946, Burnice, who then become known as Bernice, became a full-time Mom and worked part-time as a bookkeeper and tax preparer. The family moved to Menahga in 1968. She worked full time until her retirement from the Menahga Co-op Sampo.  She moved from Menahga to the family farm near Hector in June of 1995. She moved to Gaylord to be close to her daughters in 2012. 

During her entire lifetime, no matter which town she lived in, her church was a major, major part of her life. There was Bethel Lutheran in Herman, Minnesota, First English Lutheran in Menahga, and Swedlanda Lutheran in rural Hector. She had already made many friends at American Lutheran in Gaylord, where she was presently living. Bernice had challenges during her lifetime, but her strong faith in God and the resurrection power of the blood of Jesus Christ sustained her, as well as her close friendships, many of whom were relatives. 

For fun, outside of Bible Studies, she really enjoyed reading and bowling, and joining the quilting ladies group of Swedlanda. She was a Minnesota sports fan, especially the Twins. Bernice had a special interest in alternative medicine and supplements. And dare we tell you that she kind of liked going to Jackpot?! She loved being around her family the most. 

On Wednesday, June 8, 2016, Bernice passed away at the Oak Terrace Health Care Center in Gaylord, having reached the age of 95 years. Blessed be her memory. 

Bernice is survived by her: 

Children:      Penny Puffer of Gaylord,
                        Joyce Tessman of Gaylord,
                        B.J. ( Al) Hohenstein of Gaylord, and
                        Jean (Randy Burkman) Myhro of Winthrop;

Grandchildren:  Heidi (Justin) Long of Garland, TX, Allison (Tim) Stallard of Red Wing, Scott (Lindsey) Puffer of Shakopee, Laurie Miller of Shakopee, Sarah (Nate) Vilmain of Waconia, Julie Brown of Maple Lake, Jeff (Amie) Hohenstein of Shakopee, Alyssa (Matthew) Kangas of Maple Lake, Sam (Jessica) Myhro of Gaylord, Ben (Leah) Myhro of Lewiston, Kim Myhro of Veseli;

24 Great-Grandchildren;

Brother, Gordy Johnson and his wife Helen of Franklin;

Sisters-in-law: Mildred Wilts of Herman and Mavis Erickson of Dell Rapids, SD;

nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by two children, Julie and Tommy, husband Jake, parents, and by two brothers and their wives, Eddie and Janie, and Buzz and Betty.