Gertrude Marie Christenson

Gertrude Marie Christenson, 95 went to be with the Lord April, 4,2026 at Chippewa Manor. She was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1930 to Aloys and Regina Haselwander and grew up on the farm on Olson Drive in the town of Seymour. Gert graduated as the salutatorian from Fall Creek and even gave a speech at her graduation.

On July 2, 1949 she married her soul mate Eugene Christenson at St. Bridget's Catholic Church. Prior to starting their family, Gert worked as an aide at the Chippewa County Hospital and lived on the premises. Once children arrived, she spent her early married life as a housewife rearing the family five miles from where she grew up on St. Bridget's Drive in the town of Seymour. Gertrude and Eugene were blessed with 11 children. Neighbors and friends were soon welcomed as extended family. In 1965 she started as a cook for Connell's Supper Club, Lake Wissota, and worked there 40 years. Recognized for her cooking ability, she began catering for all types of gatherings. She became known for her signature potato salad that everyone loved and still rave about to this day.

Gert was a lifelong member of St. Bridget's church with years of commitment to her faith and church. She contributed countless hours as caretakers to both the church and cemetery. She handed down that faith to her children and participated at the picnics, fundraisers, faith formation classes and the choir. The parish relied on her leadership with funeral luncheons.

Gert enjoyed hobbies such as gardening, canning, camping, fishing and going to concerts at Country Fest. She was one lucky lady whenever she played bingo, cards or going to the casino. She loved spending time with family, grandkids and great grandkids. She enjoyed yearly trips with her daughters and daughters-in-laws. At age 90 she wrote her life story, called Gert's Legacy. The book is a gift she left to her family and friends. She will be truly missed.

Gertrude is survived by 11 children, Jeannie (Keith) Modl, Larry (Pat) Christenson, Terry (Jean) Christenson, Julie (Denny) Woodford, Jan (Greg) Miller, Jeff (Carol) Christenson, Joyce Radke, Joan (Jeff) Devens, Jennifer (Jeff) Reetz, Jackie (Gary) Roberts, and Jerry (Carla) Christenson. Her extended family also includes 31 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren plus two on the way. She has two brothers, Charles Haselwander and Neil (Kathy) Haselwander.

She is preceded in death by her husband Eugene, her parents, a sister Monica and brother-in-law Ronald Goss, Sisters-in-law Lorraine (Warren) Dressel, Donna Moore, Dorothy (Everett) Worthington, and son-in-law Steve Radke.

The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic Health System, Chippewa Manor and St. Croix Hospice for the loving care provided her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Bridget's Catholic Church, 2801 N 110th Ave, Chippewa Falls on Monday, April 13 at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 am prior to Mass. Visitation will be on Sunday, April 12 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. with prayer service at 5:30 pm at Stokes, Prock, and Mundt Funeral Chapel, 535 S. Hillcrest Parkway, Altoona. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be donated to St. Bridget's Church.

Stokes, Prock & Mundt Funeral Chapel, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.stokesprockandmundt.com.