Portrait of Barbara Christensen

In Memory of Barbara Christensen — Obituary

1933 – 2023
Age 90
Published:

Barbara loved to paint.

"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose."
— Helen Keller
What Barbara loved
ReadingGrandchildren

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Barbara Christensen, 90,.

These words are offered in her memory — small, but heartfelt.

Barbara entered this world in 1933 — the start of a journey that would span 90 years.

There are stories only long lives can tell. We are grateful for her.

Barbara Christensen, 90 of Viborg, passed away on November 11, 2023 at the Wakonda Heritage Manor in Wakonda. Memorial Service will be held at 11:30 AM Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Chapel, Viborg. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. Barbara was born on October 14, 1933 to John and Helana (Ward) Coats in Reliance, SD. She graduated from Yankton High School and Yankton College, graduating with a Liberal Arts Degree. On June 10, 1954 she was united in marriage to John "Jack" Christensen in Yankton, SD. They taught in Canton, SD for two years before John became employed with Northwestern Bell in Fargo, ND. Barb helped with local theater programs while they were there until they moved to New Jersey where John was hired by AT&T. While there, Barb helped produce many off-Broadway shows in the area. Many actors and actresses stayed with them while shows were going on. Barb also became a Real Estate Broker for REMAX while they were in New Jersey. After they retired, they moved back to South Dakota where they helped with many different local activities. In her spare time, she loved to paint, write, and read books Grateful for having shared her life are her 2 sons, Jeff (Michelle Crawford) Christensen of Wakonda and James "Jamie" Christensen of Raleigh, NC; Grandchildren John, Jason, Julia, and Aiden; Step-grandson Cole Crawford and Step-great-grandson Oaklynd; Foster daughter, Jetta "Wendy" Bollinger and her children Ryan and Rachael of California; sister Kay Davidson. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband John; and her brother Tom Coats.

A Life in Years

1933Born1951Graduated high school1954On June 10, she was unitedin marriage to John "Jack" Chris1955Graduated college1958Married2023Passed away

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