Barry Gene Christianson

Barry Gene Christianson, 65, of Mayville, ND died on Monday, January 26 2015 at the St. Lukes Hospital in Houston, Texas. Barry was born September 25, 1949 to Earl and Joyce (Haagenson) Christianson. Barry graduated from Portland High School in 1967 and attended Mayville State University. He married Connie Burkholder on December 21st, 1968. Together they lived in West Fargo where he worked at Red Owl Warehouse, until they moved back to Mayville in 1974. He worked at American Crystal Sugar in Hillsboro, ND for 37 years, retiring in 2011. After retirement, he worked for Christianson Farms until the time of his death. Barry was a devoted Christian and an active member of the First American Lutheran Church. He had many hobbies in life including fishing with his wife, honing his carpentry skills and hunting on the family land. Retirement also allowed him to enjoy the simpler things in life such as crossword puzzles and watching western movies…at any hour of the day or night. Most notably, he embraced every opportunity he had to spend quality time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Barry is survived by his wife: Connie; his daughters: Beth (Leroy) Nepstad of Hendrum, MN, Amy (Scott) Ramstad of Mayville, ND and son: Brian (Lisa) Christianson of Bentonville, AR. Grandchildren: Bryce (Jordan), Courtney and Morgan Nepstad; Amanda (Seth Markuson), Cody and Zachary Landa, Ashley, Chelsea, Brooke and Garrett Ramstad; Reese and Rielyn Christianson and Great-grandchildren: Kaydence Thomas and Leah Markuson. Sisters Janice (Bob) Jorgensen, Susan (Rick) Tastad, Julie (Lee) Brenna and brother Bruce (Carla) Christianson; a sister-in-law: Betty DeFrancis of Gilbert, AZ and a brother-in-law: Jon Burkholder of Wilmar, MN. He is preceded in death by his parents; sister Gayle LaChapelle; mother and father-in-law: Mavis and John Burkholder. Visitation: Will be 5 – 7:00 PM with a 7 PM Public Prayer Service on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at the First American Lutheran Church in Mayville and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 2:00 PM Sunday, February 1, 2015 at the First American Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND. Military Honors by: May~Port Honor Guard and ND Military Funeral Honors Burial: Will be at the Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND.