Donald W. Christianson, 88, of Eau Claire, passed away on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, at Lake Hallie Memory Care. Donald was born on June 21, 1928, on the family farm in New Auburn, WI, to Oscar and Minnie (Skoug) Christianson. Donald left home when he was 18, taking with him the love of his life Deloris "Molly' Swift. On July 23, 1947, they were married in Rockford, IL; plans were underway for their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017. After 21 moves and as many jobs changes, the family settled in Eau Claire in 1958, where Chippewa Motor Freight employed him. Donald's professional career included among others: 30 years at Chippewa Motor Freight, Marten Transport of Mondovi, and Walmart Distribution Center in Menomonie, for a total of almost 60 years and countless millions of miles. Donald always said his happiest years were when he and Molly drove as a team for Marten, and explored the country together. When Donald wasn't driving on the "big road" he enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt track racing, woodworking, making tin men and gardening. Nineteen winters found Donald and Molly in Mission, TX, enjoying the warm weather and countless friends. Donald is survived by his wife of 69 years, Molly; daughter, Terry (John) Bilderback of Mondovi, and their children, Robin (Richard) Jarvis (Alexandra, Josh and Abigail Hoff) and Jennifer Nelson (Lauren Nelson); daughter, LeeAnn (the late David) Beck of Eau Claire, and their children, Shawn (Aimee) Beck (Ari, Asher, and Hadassah Beck), Shannon (Randy) Greenman (Jade and Adison Greenman) and Don (Ashley) Beck (KayLee and Tristan Beck); son, Todd (Donna) of Eau Claire; two sisters, Berdine Brown and Mary Jane (James) Arndt; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Alice (Carl) Engstrom, Ardys (Olaf) Berg, Doris (Roy) Amundson; and one brother, Arden (Maxine) Christianson. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Lutheran Church of St. Matthew, 1915 Hogeboom Ave. in Eau Claire, with Pastor Nick Henseler from Faith Lutheran Mission Church officiating. Visitation will begin two hours prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Interment will be at the Lutheran Church Cemetery, in Eau Claire. The family wishes to thank the staff members of Lake Hallie Memory Care, Mayo Clinic Home Health and Hospice and Dr. Akfaly for the wonderful care. Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services in Eau Claire, is assisting the family with arrangements. For online condolences, please visit www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information

Cemetery

Lutheran Church Cemetery 1700 Omaha Street Eau Claire WI 54701

Visitation

Saturday, January 28 2017 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Lutheran Church of St. Matthew 1915 Hogeboom Ave Eau Claire WI

Funeral Service

Saturday, January 28 2017 11:00 AM

Lutheran Church of St. Matthew 1915 Hogeboom Ave Eau Claire WI