Allene L. Christianson

Allene L. (Nelson) Christianson, 90, of Viroqua, died Thursday, March 27,2014 at the Bethel Home in Viroqua. Allene was born June 10, 1923 in the Kickapoo Township, rural Readstown, to Abraham and Anna (Anderson) Nelson. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith and confirmed at Kickapoo United Lutheran Church in Soldiers Grove, WI. She attended Spring Valley Country School through the eighth grade. She graduated from Readstown High School, class of 1941. After graduation, besides helping on the family farm, she worked various jobs including waitressing in Viroqua at the Oriole cafe and also worked in La Crosse painting radio dials to support the war effort. On October 26, 1947 she married Alvin E. Christianson. They were married in a double-ring ceremony with her sister Mildred and Arvid Swenson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua. The couple farmed side by side and raised their four children on the family farm in Jefferson Township, rural Viroqua. Allene was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for several years, Rebecca Circle and the WELCA. She was an avid scrapbooker and journal writer. Her favorite hobby was crocheting, where she had made many items for family and friends. Allene enjoyed visiting in person and on the phone with her sisters, cousins, and friends. She was famously known to her grandchildren for her homemade strawberry jam, biscuits, and chocolate chip cookies. Allene is survived by her daughter, Marsha (Mike) Ryan, La Crescent, MN; two sons: Marcus Christianson, and Ryan (Nora) Christianson, both of Viroqua; daughter-in-law, Pat Christianson of Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren: Tara (Pete) Peterson, Dr. Lucas (Dr. Lee) Christianson, Nick (Heather) Christianson, Ben and Katy Christianson, Kim Ryan, Holly (Rex) Delgado, Ryanna and Carly Christianson; great-grandchildren: Robbie and Fernando Souza, Taysa Peterson, Wesley Christianson, Kaleb and Jace Delgado, and Preston Ryan; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Rodney; daughter-in-law, Sara Christianson; grandchildren, Wendy (Dan) Thicke; brother Alvin Nelson; sisters: Mildred Swenson, and Irene Nedland; and Nephew Blayne Nedland. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 at the Bethel Lutheran Church, rural Viroqua. Pastor Pete Beckstrand will officiate with burial to follow in the Bethel Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday, March 31, 2014 from 4-6 p.m. at the Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W Decker St. in Viroqua. Friends may also call from 12 p.m. till the time of service at 1. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home is serving the family.