Viviann Christenson

Viviann Ann (Knutson) Christenson was born in Grand Forks, ND to Reverend Alfred and Hazel (Klonglan) Knuston on October 24, 1944. She was welcomed by her older brother, Robert Knutson, and older sister, Esther Knutson (Barnum). She moved from rural Fargo, ND and attended elementary school in Argusville, ND at Sheyenne #14. She continued her education at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy and the Lutheran Brethren Bible School, where she majored in Christian Education and World Missions, both located in Fergus Falls, MN. Viviann often told her children (and anyone who was listening) that she believes she had the best upbringing and childhood ever and there is One that was perhaps better, but that child was God…so that didn’t count! Viviann always had a love for music, both singing and playing. She began singing on her dad’s radio program, The Norwegian Gospel Hour, at about 6 years old- and, of course, she was learning and singing in Norwegian!

In 1956, at the age of 12 years old, Vivann met her future husband, Stanley (Stan) Allen Christenson at Stiklestad Lutheran Church in Rural Doran, MN where her father, Rev. Knutson was the pastor. After many years of ‘courting’, the two were united in holy matrimony on November 14, 1965, at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN. This union was blessed with three daughters, two sons and several grandchildren.

Stanley and Viviann were charter members of Calvary Free Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN where she served the Lord as organist, church secretary, financial secretary, Sunday school and confirmation teacher, and taught Wednesday school and VBS (Vacation Bible School). In addition, she was the WMF (Women’s Mission Federation) president and enjoyed working with the youth of the church for many years.

For several years, Viviann volunteered at the Child Evangelism Local Headquarters and the Salvation Army in Fergus Falls, MN. Her mission was to explain their work to the surrounding areas; however, more important, she was able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ! During this time, she wrote many songs which she sang (while playing on her autoharp) in the ministry of these opportunities and at a number of district WMF gatherings. For several years (and most of her children’s lives), she was the ‘official’ organist for one of the local funeral homes, playing in local churches, nursing homes and chapels.

In April 2013, after retirement, Stan and Viviann relocated to the Association Retreat Center (ARC) in Osceola, WI where they were founders of S.O.H.Lmates (Servants of His Love) Volunteer Program. While living in the area, the couple attended Amery Free Lutheran Church becoming active members and enjoying followship with their “Amery Family”.

At the age of 80, Viviann passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on January 14th, 2025 surrounded by her children. She is preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Christenson, her parents, Reverend Alfred and Hazel Knutson, and her sister Esther. She is survived by her five children: Mayme (Ronald) Hofland of Fergus Falls, MN, Anthony (Darla) Christenson of Lisbon, ND, Allean Christenson of Osceola, WI, Eric (Andrea) Christenson of Plymouth, MN, and Nicole Christenson of Plymouth, MN, along with numerous grandchildren; brother, Robert Knutson of McVille, ND; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

 Visitation will be at Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI, on Monday, January 19th, 2025, from 4pm-7pm. Funeral Service will be at Amery Free Lutheran Church in Amery, WI, at 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 20th, 2025, with visitation starting an hour before. Viviann’s burial and interment will be at Stiklestad Lutheran Church in Rural Doran, MN at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025, with a luncheon to immediately follow at the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls.  To sign an online guest book and view a video tribute, please visit www.williamsonwhite.com. Arrangements were made with the Williamson-White Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Amery.