Dell M. Christianson

 Dell Marlow Christianson was born January 4, 1938 in Green Bush, Minnesota the son of Tormod and Hilma (Severson) Christianson. He passed away October 17, 2020 at his home in Detroit Lakes.

He grew up in Green Bush and was confirmed at Silverton Lutheran Church. Dell graduated from North West School of Agriculture High School in Crookston, MN before attending Northland Community & Technical College in Thief River Falls. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota, receiving his B.S. in Horticulture and his M.S. in Economics.

On November 4, 1961 he was united in marriage to Charlette Larson at First Baptist Church in Cambridge, MN. Dell and Char joined the Peace Corps and served two years in Pakistan. They returned to Minnesota and eventually settled in Detroit Lakes.  Dell was an instructor of Specialty Crops and Farm Management for nearly 30 years at the starting at the Detroit Lakes Area Vocational Technical Institute until his program moved to the Thief River Falls campus.

After his retirement from teaching, Dell worked as a Horticultural Technical Representative for Agro-K Corp. based in Minneapolis and served growers across North America from Alaska to Florida and Nova Scotia to California. Dell was a member of several professional organizations including the North American Strawberry Growers Association and was a founding member of Mid-America Consultants International, for which he helped train international exchange students.

Dell worked with many growers, but he referred to them as friends and was always concerned how he could best help them.  His older son, Eric joined him in working with his growers and He had a close relationship with both his sons and involved them in his work.

He was a charter member of Community Alliance Church in Detroit Lakes, and served as church deacon, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir.

Dell is survived by his wife Charlette Christianson of Detroit Lakes; Eric Christianson of Jamestown, North Dakota; Charles (Melanie) Christianson of Golden Valley; grandchildren: Elisabeth (David) Rosner and William Christianson.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Tormod and Hilma Christianson; brothers: Norman and Milford Christianson. 

A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local food pantry or other charity of your choice.