Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Family and friends are remembering Russel Wayne Christianson as a veteran, leader, and loving family man.
He died peacefully on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Russel was 81 and was surrounded by his family.
Russel Wayne Christianson, a longtime Thief River Falls resident and community volunteer.
Early Years On A North Dakota Farm
Russel was born on March 19, 1944, in Kenmare, North Dakota.
His parents were Olaf Christianson and Alice (Luckman) Christianson.
He grew up on a farm in the hills near Bowbells, North Dakota.
His brothers and sisters were Viola, Gail, Olaf “Sonnie,” and Elton “Tony.”
Russel first attended a small country school.
Later, he went to Bowbells High School.
There, he played on the high school football team.
His youth mixed hard farm work with fun and adventure.
He shared many stories of his time with siblings, cousins, and friends.
Those bonds stayed strong throughout his life.
College, Marriage, And Service In Vietnam
After high school, Russel worked on a farm.
That work led him to Minnesota.
He took a job on a mink ranch and then enrolled at Willmar Junior College.
While in Willmar, Russel met Carol Ann Kodet.
The two married on March 18, 1967.
Soon after, life changed quickly.
In the summer of 1967, Russel was drafted into the U.S. Army.
He served as a medic in the 92nd Engineering Battalion in Phu Cuong, Vietnam.
On May 6, 1968, his unit came under a mortar attack.
Russel’s actions that night saved lives.
He was awarded a Medal of Valor for his heroism.
Information about similar awards is available from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Education, Accounting Career, And Community Work
After his military service, Russel returned to North Dakota.
He decided to pursue a business degree.
He enrolled at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
He later graduated with a business degree and earned his CPA.
More on UND can be found on the University of North Dakota website.
Russel and Carol then moved to Excelsior, Minnesota.
There, Russel began his career in accounting.
During those years, the couple welcomed two daughters.
Desiree Lynn was born in 1973.
Amy Lee followed in 1976.
In 1979, the family moved to Thief River Falls.
Russel became a partner in an accounting firm.
He quickly became active in local groups.
He joined Ducks Unlimited and the Chamber of Commerce.
He was also involved in the American Legion and served a term as commander.
Information about the Legion’s work is available at legion.org.
Northern Pride And Love For The Outdoors
Later in his career, Russel joined Northern Pride Inc.
He first served as Controller and later as General Manager.
Northern Pride is the turkey processing plant in Thief River Falls.
Details on the company’s work are on the Northern Pride website.
Russel enjoyed his job and co-workers.
He chose to keep working several years past normal retirement.
Away from work, he loved hunting and fishing.
Some of his best memories came from days on the lake.
He also loved time in a deer stand or at the hunting shack.
Friends recall long nights of stories and laughter.
Retirement, Pickleball, And Cabin Life
After retirement, Russel and Carol divided their time between three homes.
They lived in Thief River Falls, at a lake cabin near Ottertail, and at a winter home in Mesa, Arizona.
In Arizona, Russel discovered pickleball.
He liked the sport, the friendly competition, and the people.
He mentored many new players.
Russel was proud to help bring pickleball courts to Thief River Falls.
Information on the sport can be found at the USA Pickleball website.
The family lake cabin was Russel’s favorite place.
It became a meeting spot for children, grandchildren, and friends.
He loved quiet mornings on the porch with coffee.
He loved sunsets over the water and campfires at night.
He sang silly songs on pontoon rides with his grandchildren.
Devoted Husband, Father, And Grandfather
Russel and Carol celebrated 58 years of marriage this year.
He deeply loved his wife.
He was also very proud of his daughters, Desiree and Amy.
He believed they built strong careers and families.
Russel formed close bonds with his sons-in-law, Dean and Jeff.
Together, they spent many hours working on cabin projects.
He often said that teamwork made the cabin what it is today.
His grandchildren, Megan, Aaron, and Morgan, were his greatest gifts.
He treasured every moment with them.
Family He Leaves Behind
Russel is survived by his wife, Carol (Kodet) Christianson.
He is also survived by his daughters Desiree (Christianson) Westrich and her husband Dean, and Amy (Christianson) Cota and her husband Jeff.
His grandchildren are Megan Westrich, Aaron Cota, and Morgan Cota.
He is also remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, neighbors, co-workers, and friends.
Russel was preceded in death by his father, Olaf Christianson, and his mother, Alice (Luckman) Christianson.
He was also preceded by sisters Viola (Christianson) Winzenburg and Gail (Christianson) Gravely.
In every story shared by family, Russel is remembered for kindness, steady faith, and humor.
Future Burial And Celebration Of Life
At Russel’s request, a burial and a celebration of life will be held in late spring.
Services will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan.
Information about the cemetery is available on the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery website.
Once plans are set, the family will share the date and time.
All who wish to honor Russel will be welcome.
They will gather to share stories, laughter, and memories.
Friends seeking grief support can find resources through groups like GriefShare
and local counseling services.
Family and friends say Russel will be remembered for his service, his love for the outdoors, and his deep love for family.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
