Evans Funeral Home
"Compassionate Funeral Service"
Carrington and New Rockford, North Dakota
701.652.3003 or 701.947.2911
Secondary Number ~ 701.650.9937
Charlene Christianson
Charlene Christianson, age 59, of Carrington, ND, passed away on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at CHI St. Alexius Health in Devils Lake, ND.
Charlene Marie Shuley was born January 11, 1962, to Shirley (Giles) and John Shuley in Langdon, ND. Char graduated from Langdon High School in 1980. On January 9, 1982, she married Richard Christianson and together they were blessed with three children: Chad in 1982, Jennifer in 1985, and Bryan in 1988.
Char devoted her entire life to caring for others. During High School, she worked as a CNA at Maple Manor in Langdon. She obtained her LPN Nursing Degree from NDSCS 1984 and in 1985 started working at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington. In 1989, Char went to work at the Carrington Hospital; she went back to school in 1995 for her RN Degree from Minot State University. Then in 2001, Char went back to Golden Acres Manor in Carrington as the Director of Nursing. She was an active member of the ND Board of Nursing for 8 years and current President of NADONA.
She was also an active member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, in McHenry and most recently Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Carrington. Her faith was very important to her and she leaned on it to get her through the trying times.
Char enjoyed quilting, cooking, and entertaining. She loved her time spent at the lake with family and friends. Char enjoyed following sports teams, especially watching the Minnesota Vikings. Family was Char’s top priority and she loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart!
Charlene is survived by her husband of 39 years, Richard; son Chad Christianson, Carrington, ND, daughter Jennifer (Brian) Bolland, Fargo, ND, and son Bryan Christianson, Cooperstown, ND; grandson’s Luke and Brayden; granddaughter Emily; sister Connie (Tim) Lorenz, Hawaii; brother Allen (Linda) Shuley, Wyoming; sister Jeannie (Dennis) Gendreau, Minot, ND; brother, Don (Susan) Shuley, Grafton, ND; sister Carla (Blake) Koistinen, Langdon, ND.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Shirley Shuley; and her in-laws Selmer and Janice Christianson.
Char’s Visitation will be Thursday, Noon – 4:30PM at Evans Funeral Home and will continue from 6:00-7:00PM at the Church. A Rosary Service will be held at 6:45PM followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington.
Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, August 27, 2021, at 10:30AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington.
Her Burial will be at the Carrington Cemetery.
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My heartfelt condolences to you all. I pray that you find some comfort in your beautiful memories.
Rick and family, Char was such a great lady, you all are in my thoughts and prayers. May God wrap his arms around you all and give you comfort.
So sorry for your loss. Char was always upbeat and friendly. Haven’t seen her since high school but still have fond memories of her.
Rick and Family, Words don’t come easy, feel so bad for you and your family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.In our years of working together learned that your family was something special. You and Char raised some great kids. And now you will come together and think of all the great memories, hold them close.
My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the peace that you seek.
I am so sorry, she always had so much joy in her heart.
I am so very sorry to hear of Char’s passing. i always enjoyed visiting with her at quilt retreats – such a fun gal!
May God give you comfort during this sad time.
Rick & family, We are so sorry for your loss. Don’t grieve for her, just celebrate her life spent with you. She is looking down on you. Remember the good memories and they will keep you in her heart & spirit. (Tom & Lavonne Carney)
Char was one in few DON’s I work for and with that I had the utmost respect for she was fair and caring . She put her residents before all others and will be forever greatly missed. Char was one of those people you never forget. we often didn’t agree on everything but she had a way of making you look outside of the box. I am very thankful for that it made me a better person and CNA. I know in my heart that she is with her lord and savor and he will be blessed to have her in heaven.
I am so sorry to hear of Char’s passing. I worked with her many years at GAM. She was a great friend, quilter, and the best DON Golden Acres could ever have. I’m sorry I won’t be able to attend but my thoughts and prayers are with all the family. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
Prayers to Char’s family, loved ones and GAM family. I always admired her work as a nurse. Thinking of her husband and children during this difficult time.
Thinking of you Rick, Chad, Jenny, Bryan, Luke, Brayden and Emily and holding you in our prayers. As her sister I loved her sweet caring spirit, infectious joy, and her courage and passion for achievement. Her greatest achievement is all of you. Together through life you have achieved a blessed and beautiful family and with her and the heavenly hosts you will continue her legacy. As her brother-in-law I loved how cheerful and fun she always was and loved the delicious feasts, love and laughs when we all got together. All our love and blessings to you at this time.
Our sincere condolences for your loss. Char was always so welcoming and quick with a smile. She will be remembered for her loving spirit. Our prayers are with you.
We were totally shocked and saddened after hearing of Char’s passing. Especially after having a nice visit with Rick and hearing about the great progress she was making. Our sympathies to your entire family.
Sending hugs and prayers from the Perius’ family. Remembering fondly the days working with her at Maple Manor.
She trained me to be an aide; she was passionate about caring for others and great at her job. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Words do not come easy. Char will be missed. I first met Char back in 1990s when she/I worked together as nurses. She was then a LPN and such a joy to work with! She make work so fun and I always knew “she had my back”. Char had a way to make everyone feel like they mattered. I will forever cherish her smile, her beautiful giggle, her way of being a wonderful human…. She was incredible.
After Char became RN and then DON of Golden Acres Manor, she hired me and I had privilege to work for her. Char was one of best DONs I have ever worked for. I have not physically seen her since 2002 but we have kept in touch over the years. I was not surprised to hear how well GAM was doing with the ever present pandemic. Her leadership, her calmness, her commitment to “do what is right”… .that was Char…
Miss you Char… My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My prayers are with you all. It was evident, even from a distance what a joy Char was for everyone who was blessed to know her.
Jeannie,
My Deepest Sympathy to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you Rick and your family and may your memories of Char be of comfort. Our sincere sympathy.
Blessed to have known Char as a fellow DON. She was so dedicated to her family, residents, and healthcare workers! I will cherish the time we spent in NADONA. Fly high Char…..
I am so sorry. I worked with her for Long Term Care and NADONNA. She was also bubbly and helping others. I am honored to have known her.
Rick and family so sorry for your loss .
Dear Rick and Kids,
Wow. Our hearts are full and all awe inspired. If you weren’t a poet before yesterday you are now. I hope the poem goes viral, it was genius. That poem was Holy Spirit (The Comforter) blessed and your meditation on your love and life with Char was inspirational and healing for you and all. All gratitude and thanksgiving to you for this healing. As much as we give tribute to Char, that tribute is equally yours. You two were “one” as scripture has it. Char would never have been all that she was without the help and support of you and the kids. We are so grateful to you for empowering her. The blessings and sacrifices shared paid off and shine brightly in you all together – and will continue to. You and kids are loved and appreciated. The tributes from all were so beautiful. Brother Don you still got the vocals!
Condolences and prayers for the Rick Christianson and extended family. Sorry for your loss. Rest in Peace Char.
Al-oo-h-aa. Again, WOW. The Vigil was a great tribute. Rick, thank you so much for the Aloha salute. We are overwhelmed with love and appreciation. How fun and healing. When Connie saw the shirt she said, “what a beautiful shirt.” Tim said “Its an aloha shirt.” Connie said, “and shorts. Rick looks good.” Surprise, surprise what fun. Connie said to Tim “maybe you can borrow it for the winter.” Ha, Ha. Tim said wonder why he’s wearing an aloha shirt.” Later you’re in the aisle again explaining the Hawaiian attire. Both of us – in tears were overwhelmed, we’ll never forget this. You thought of everyone. Again, all appreciation and love. And Rick, don’t send that shirt, bring it with you when you come – remember where you go Char goes – you are “one”. She’s with us. Praise God. Mahalo nui loa, Aloha – (Thank you very much, love).