Roger Christianson

Roger E. Christianson, age 72 of Newport, passed away peacefully on Mar. 6, 2015 at United Hosptial in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Memorial service will be 11:00 am, Thursday, March 12, 2015 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 920 Holley St., St. Paul Park with visitation one hour prior to the service. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. He was never happier than when he was watching a game. To celebrate his life, please wear your favorite sports attire to the service.

Roger Eldon Christianson was born April 2, 1942 in St. Paul to Alfred and Mildred (Anderson) Christianson. He grew up in the Saint Paul Park/Newport area and graduated from Park High School in 1960. Roger entered active duty in the US Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Lexington. On a blind date he met the love of his life, Susan Gese in 1966 and the two of them were married the following year in St. Paul on June 10, 1967. Roger was a longtime employee of Northern States Power and later Xcel Energy where he worked as a lineman. After retirement he was able to devote time to his outdoors activities such as fishing, hunting and skeet shooting. He loved watching sports…especially loved following his grandchildren and his favorite team the Northwood Evergreens. He enjoyed meeting people and spending time with his family.

Roger is survived by his wife Susan (nee Gese); daughters, Julie (Scott) Hill, Paula (Dan Fischer) Christianson; grandchildren, Jessica and Ryan Hill and all of the children who called him "Papa"; brother, Duane Christianson; sisters, Joan Hirte, Maxine Quinn and Diane Ackert. He is preceded in death by parents; and brothers, Baby Bruce and Gordon.