Merced Christopherson

Merced Christopherson, 86-year-old resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Friday, August 24, 2012 at the St. Cloud Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2012 at First Lutheran Church in Little Falls, MN with the Rev. David Sperstad officiating. Burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls, MN at a later date. Friends may call from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN, and also one hour prior to services. Funeral arrangements are with the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, MN. Merced was born November 13, 1925 in St. Paul, MN to the late Harold and Mabel (Markuson) Hellickson. She graduated from Brooten High School in 1943 and after graduation attended St. Cloud Teachers’ College to obtain her teaching certificate. Merced taught one year in a rural school in North Fork Township, Stearns County, MN before returning to college for further certification. She went on to teach in the Kimball and Benson, MN public schools. She was united in marriage to Arvid Christopherson on August 12, 1950 at Big Grove Lutheran Church, in rural Belgrade, MN. The couple made their home in Kimball, MN, and later moved to Little Falls, MN where their 5 children were born and raised. Merced volunteered with the Friends of the Library, St. Gabriel’s Hospital, Cub Scouts, Campfire Girls, and for the annual St. Camilla’s Place rummage sale. She was an active member of the Sons of Norway, the Hallingdal lag, and the Numedal lag. She was also an active member of First Lutheran Church where she served as church council president, Sunday School teacher and Bible school teacher, as well as participating in the Martha Circle and the quilting group. Merced lived an extraordinary life of service, was devoted to God, and dedicated to her family. She was a loving wife, energetic mother, adoring grandmother, doting grandma-great and a loyal friend. Merced is survived by her children: Jeffrey (Meri-Jac) Christopherson of Wahpeton, ND; Jill (John Malcolm) Christopherson of St. Cloud, MN; Gary Christopherson of Little Falls, MN; Alan (Rebecca) Christopherson of Sartell, MN; and Peter (Tammy) Christopherson of St. Joseph, MN, 9 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sisters, Norma Snelling of Litchfield, MN, and Lajla (Fred) Hood of South Haven, MN, as well as many nieces and nephews. Merced was preceded in death by husband Arvid in 1977; parents, Harold and Mabel Hellickson; an infant brother; brother-in-law, Douglas Snelling; and nephew, Joseph Hood.

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Merced Christopherson

November 13, 1925 - August 24, 2012