Bernadine Marie Theresa Christianson

CAMBRIDGE-Bernadine M. Christianson, age 104, of Cambridge, left her earthly home on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Home Again Assisted Living. She is now at peace in her heavenly home. Bernadine was born on Jan. 25, 1919, in Deerfield, at the home of her grandmother, Marie Bennin.

As we are saddened by her departure, our hearts know the love and light she leaves us. This loving grammy led a kind and caring life, always generously giving her love and aid when needed. Bernadine married Carl Edward Christianson on March 27, 1937. They were blessed with two lovely daughters, Diane Habeck and Bonna Jean Maypark.

Bernadine was a former member of Grace Lutheran Church and currently a member of Willerup Methodist Church, both in Cambridge. She organized and participated in the Priscilla’s Ladies Aide, Mary Circle, was a council member, on the building committee of the parsonage and church and Sunday school superintendent. As president of the school’s Mother’s Club, Bernadine organized the first kindergarten into the school system, was a member of the Ripley Park board, with Mr. H.A. Melster, who diligently carried forth the Norwegian Heritage in buildings and character. As a 1936 graduate of Waterloo High School, she organized yearly class reunions and after 29 years was the only member left but still carried on with the spouses, children and friends who continued to attend the second Sunday in August each year.

Bernadine leaves many fond memories and legacies at the Lake Ripley Country Club as a member for over 80 years. With the country club closing at the end of each October, she organized Christmas gatherings of the Women’s Organization at Arbor Dell for three years. From then on, it was decided to meet the first Tuesday of the five months until April. She also organized the LRCC Senior Membership.

Bernadine worked for Attorney Earl Munson and 30 years as an executive secretary at Melster Candies, volunteered many years at Countryside Home in Jefferson and Skaalen Home in Stoughton, while caring and helping friends.

Bernadine is survived by her daughter, Bonna Jean Maypark; grandchildren, Debra (Douglas) Fingles, Steven (Jennifer) Habeck, David Habeck, Sherri Habeck and Lane Wilkinson; great-grandchildren, Shilo Vierck, Nathan Habeck, Jennifer and Patrick (Halley) Fingles, Kody (Theresa) Habeck, Tiana (Alec) Gullickson and Miah (Clayton) Holmen; eight great-great-grandchildren, Kaileigha, Leilani and Titus Gullickson, Maizy Vierck, Margaret Fingles and Braden, Miciah and Kayce Habeck; sister-in-law, Arlene Stark; and many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Margaret (Breitzman) Stark; her loving husband of 73 years, Carl Christianson; daughter, Diane Habeck; brothers, Arthur Stark, Warren Stark and his wife, Delores, and their son, Dean; sons-in-law, Frederick Habeck, Gary Wilkinson and Jack Maypark; and grandchildren, Todd and Kimberly Wilkinson.

A funeral service will be held at WILLERUP UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 414 W. Water St., Cambridge, at 12 noon on Friday, April 21, 2023. Burial will follow at Lake Ripley Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.
 

Memorials may be made to Willerup Methodist Church at www.willerupchurch.org/give. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Stoughton
Funeral & Cremation Care
1358 Highway 51 N. at Jackson St.
(608) 873-4590