Bernice M. Christianson

Bernice Marion Christianson (Huffman) died on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Rapid City, SD. She was 102 years old. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024 at United Lutheran Church in Cavalier, ND at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour before the time of the service at the church.

Bernice was born on October 2, 1921, at Drayton, ND. Her parents, Kenneth and Florence Huffman farmed northeast of Walhalla, ND. Bernice attended a rural elementary school located a mile south of the Huffman homestead. Teachers often lived with the Huffman family during the school year. She graduated from the Walhalla Public High School. She attended NDSU and graduated with a degree in Home Economics in 1943. Bernice taught home economics for eleven years. She was Pembina County Superintendent of Schools from 1973 to 1984 and then retired.

Bernice married Elmo T. Christianson in Madison, Wisconsin on July 17, 1943, just before Elmo left for Europe to serve with the 15th Army Airforce. Bernice and Elmo had three children, Judy, Kenneth, and Kathleen. Bernice was a charter member of the United Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Dorcas Circle. Bernice was well known for her culinary skills. She enjoyed needlework and she was a birder. She moved to Rapid City to live near her daughter Judy in 2011.

Bernice is predeceased by her parents Kenneth and Florence Huffman, her sister Eleanor, her husband Elmo, daughter Kathleen, and son-in-law Danny Thompson.

Bernice is survived by her daughter, Judy Thompson of Rapid City, and Judy’s two children, Michael Thompson of Rapid City and Kirstin (Chris) Wallen of Colorado Springs, CO. She is also survived by her son Kenneth Christianson (Alice) of Anthem AZ, and their two children Leif Christianson (Judith) of Duluth MN, and Kyja (Christopher) Nelson of Fargo ND. She is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Gavin and Grayson Thompson, Unna Katla Nelson, Brooklyn and Ethan Christianson, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Interment will be at Vidalin Lutheran Church located at rural Akra.