William Christianson

William "Chris" L. Christianson, age 87, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children and followed His Savior home on Sunday, December 7, 2014. He was born on the Christianson family farm in Wauzeka, WI, on April 16, 1927, the son of Henry and Margaret (Seely) Christianson.

After serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII, he married his sweetheart from Bloomington, Myrtle E. Myrt Osterhaus. Their love and faith bonded them together for 60 years. Chris loved to give of himself and his gentle nature and sense of humor served him well for all of the volunteer work he did for his church and other community services. He worked for many years in the grocery business and at the age of 75 he retired from Lancaster Interiors. He was a member of St. Clement Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council No. 2820 and Seely Onstine American Legion Post #458.

Chris is survived by his sons: Jeffrey and Jerome, three daughters: Therese (Steve) LeMaster, Gina (Frank) Buettner, Lynn (Jeff) Farrey; seven grandchildren: Christopher (Sarah) Buettner, Ceri (Chuck) Beatty, Blake (Abby) Buettner, Brandon (Heidi) Farrey, Megan (Joe) Karls, Scott Farrey, and Kira Christianson; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Charles (Karen) Christianson; members of the Osterhaus family, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Chris was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Myrt.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church in Lancaster with Father John Sasse officiating. Burial with military honors was in St. Clement Cemetery, Lancaster. Family and friends called on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. In lieu of plants and flowers, a William L. Christianson Memorial Fund has been established. Schwartz Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Lancaster is assisting the family.