Pearl L. (Larson) Christianson

Pearl Christianson, age 97 of Glenwood, died Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at Glacial Ridge Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17th at Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church in Terrace, with Pastor Brenda Boogren officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 16th, at Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood and will continue on Monday at the church, one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Chippewa Falls Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Pearl Lillian (Larson) Christianson, the daughter of Olaus and Olivia “Ruby” (Hagen) Larson, was born October 19, 1925, Nora Township, Kensington, Minnnesota. She was baptized, confirmed and married in Nora Lutheran Church, rural Kensington, Minnesota. Pearl was the 7th of 8 children, with six sisters and one brother. Pearl cherished her “up home” memories and her childhood years.

She attended country school, District 50, through 8th grade. The school was located 2 ½ miles from their home and she often reminded everyone that she and her siblings walked to and from school every day. In 7th grade, she won the Pope County spelling contest and competed at the state level. She attended Kensington High School for grades 9 through 12 and graduated in 1943.  Pearl and four of her lifetime friends, attended normal training (teacher’s training) after high school. They also all shared an apartment and their escapades made for many funny, interesting stories.  It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Omer. Their stories of the first time they saw each other differ but, regardless of the where and how, that evening resulted in a lifetime together. Pearl and Omer were united in marriage at Nora Lutheran Church in rural Kensington on September 23, 1949. They lived west of Terrace on a farm the first 10 years of their marriage and then moved to a farm south of Terrace. This marriage was blessed with three children, Cindy, Judy and Kevin. 

Pearl began teaching country school at the age of 18 and taught students in grades 1-8. She taught in District 70 by Kensington, District 10 in Stevens County and District 59 south of Starbuck. After marriage she taught in District 69, District 2 and District 14 all in Pope County.  She loved planning the Christmas program every year and each and every one of her students!  Pearl’s claim to fame is that she was the last country school teacher in Pope County. Later in life she worked at the Glenwood Retirement Home for 13 years.

Pearl was an active member of Chippewa Falls Lutheran Church. She taught Sunday School, Bible School, and was president of the Ladies Aid for several years. During that time she led the committee to organize the church’s Bicentennial celebration in 1976. She was a longtime member of her beloved Circle 5 and held numerous offices. Preparation for hosting Circle 5 Bible Study in her home was a yearly ‘event’, including the planning of the perfect lunch.

She enjoyed playing piano, lengthy journaling on a daily basis, reading, having coffee with friends and neighbors, ordering pancakes and soup, baking cookies and other “Pearl famous dishes”.  Pearl and Omer shared enjoyment in “taking a different road home”.

Pearl is survived by her children: Cindy (Bob) Grothem of Willmar, Judy (Dan) Blade of Hutchinson, and Kevin (Marta) Christianson of Victoria; 4 grandchildren: Heidi (Chris) Hinkemeyer, Ryan (Laura Klein) Grothem, Joshua Blade and Thomas (Autumn Crary) Blade; great grandchildren: Grant, Aeriana, Clarice and Theron; sister, Florence Schwendeman; sisters-in-law, Beverly Larson and Judy Christianson; nieces and nephews (also great and great, great and great, great, great!); special caregivers: Bryan, Grace, and Teri

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Omer in 2016; five sisters: Marie Helberg, Clarice Larson, Emma Barsness, Myrtle Luthi and Edna Backlund, and her brother, Leonard Larson.               

Pearl will be remembered for her deep faith, belief in the power of prayer and love for her family and friends.

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