Dorothy Mae Christianson

Dorothy "Dottie" Mae (Sherman) Christianson beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend passed away at her home surrounded by love in St. James, MN on May 9, 2023.  She was born near Howard, SD on June 3, 1928.  Dorothy attended one room country schools for 8 years.  She "boarded" in town for 4 years while attending Howard High School where she was active in declam, school plays, yearbook, and cheerleading.

After graduating from high school in 1946 she enrolled at Sioux Valley School of Nursing, affiliated with Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD from which she graduated with an R.N. in 1949.  While she was there she met Robert Gordon Christianson (Chris/R.G.) whom she married on May 28, 1949. They were blessed with four children.  Since R.G. was an educator, they moved many times.  Gary, Groton, and Coleman, SD and Ruthton, Janesville, and St. James, MN.  Dorothy worked as a nurse at numerous institutions during this time.  She retired from the nursing profession in 1996 as Director of Nursing at the Good Samaritan Home in St. James.

During her life Dorothy was active in Eastern Star, the Auxiliary to the VFW and the Auxiliary to the American Legion.  She was passionate about caring for others and volunteered with the Red Cross, schools, church, nursing home, and food shelf.  Dorothy was a wonderful cook.  The tastiest potato salad, the melt in your mouth angel food cake, and delicious white sugar cookies.  Everyone left her home with a full stomach and a container with leftovers.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Inga Sherman and her husband, Robert Christianson.  She is survived by 4 children,  Roxanne Clegg of St. Paul, Vicki Pederson of St. James, Robert Christianson of Ham Lake, Robin Christianson of New Ulm; 5 grandchildren, Zachary (Libby) Clegg of Woodbury, Justin (Paula) Clegg of Woodbury, Carl Clegg and Alan Clegg of St. Paul, Courtney (Brian) Zwach of Stillwater; 9 great grandchildren, Mac and Cash,  Jemma, Cameron, and Laci, Alex, Claire, Vivian and Benjamin;  2 sisters, Imogene Ellis of SD and Marlys Silver of FL.

Visitation will be held May 19th from 5-7 PM at Sturm Funeral Home in St. James.  The funeral will be held at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James on May 20th at 11:00 AM.  Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service and at a luncheon at the church following the burial.

Memorials may be directed to a charity of your choice.