Dolores Ann (Mackin) Christianson

Dolores (Dee) Christianson, age 92, formerly of Appleton, passed away March 3, 2021 at Bella Vista in Oshkosh of non-Covid causes.

She was born June 23, 1928 to the late Raphael (Ray) and Vivian (Peterson) Mackin.  Dee attended St. Mary’s School in Appleton and graduated from Appleton High School in 1946.  She and Harold E. (Chris) (Bud) Christianson were married at St. Mary’s on August 30, 1950.  She pulled all the wedding preparations together in a week to coincide with his leave from the United States Marine Corps.

She was devoted to the Catholic faith, especially to the Blessed Mother Mary.  Dee had a personal friendship with St. Anthony who readily and speedily found the objects “put in a safe place”.  St. Jude…if she was praying to St. Jude, the situation was serious.  Her faith and family were everything to her.  In death, her scapular and rosary were with her.

Dee had a lifelong love of reading.  She also enjoyed music; harmonizing with her brother, Will while doing dishes.  Although she couldn’t read music, she made sure every one of her children had musical opportunities through instruments, singing or dance.  And she did love to dance!  She was particularly proud of her Irish heritage.

Great memories were made at their campsite on Berry Lake.  Sun, sand, and swimming along with their large extended group of friends made it a haven.

Dee is survived by her five children:  Mary (Michael) Voster, Terry (Jeff) Christianson-Plato, Anne (Joe) Leeman, John (Robin) Christianson, and Gerry (Lori) Christianson.  Grandchildren and great-grandchildren:  Sarah (Brian) Lee, children: Mikarah and Alora; Erik (Devon) Voster, children: Louie and Avery; Jennifer Zehner, children: Ryley, Mollie and Tyler; Shelly (Justin) Buss, children: Josie, Max and Cora; Drew Leeman; Morgan Christianson and grand dogs.

She is further survived by a brother, Willard Mackin and sisters-in-law Gwen Christianson, Sharlene Johnston, and Ruth (Don) Biggar; as well as many nieces and nephews and close family friends.

Preceding her in death was her beloved Chris in 2003 and an infant daughter, Lynn Ann; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Carol (Bill) Gibbs; Ed Johnston; Carol Mackin; Raymond Christianson; and Ralph Christianson.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Bella Vista, her “care angels” and Heartland Hospice.

A private service for immediate family will be held at a later date, after which she and Chris will be interred together.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund is being established. Please contact Valley Funeral Home for details.