Fennimore, WI-Carol M. Christiansen, age 93, died on Monday evening June 6, 2016 at the Fennimore Good Samaritan Society. She was born on April 8, 1923 in Clifton Township, Grant County, WI the daughter of Harvey and Delia (Weinbrenner) Ellis and the descendant of the very earliest settlers to Grant County. Carol was united in marriage to Gordon Christiansen on June 11, 1944 in Fennimore.
Carol grew up during the Great Depression on the Ellis family farm. She walked to Ebenezer School and drove the family car to Livingston High School. Despite living in the middle of a depression, her parents insisted she attend Platteville Teachers College. Her teaching career began at Martinville School and later Annaton School. Following her husband’s return from WWII, the Christiansen’s began farming when they took over ownership of the Ellis family farm.
In 1967, Carol and Gordon sold the farm and moved to their new home in Fennimore. Carol returned to Platteville and earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Carol began working as the librarian at Dwight Parker Library in Fennimore. She would become the media specialist at Boscobel Elementary School and concurrently commute to LaCrosse, earning her Master’s Degree in Library Science. Her excellent grades resulted in a membership in the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society.
Carol retired from Boscobel Schools in 1988. Carol and Gordon enjoyed traveling and visiting with family and friends. She was a scholar of the Bible and prayed daily for her family and friends. Carol had impeccable style and was considered a special lady by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Carol is survived by her four children; Lynn (David) Hollenbach of Casselberry, FL, John (Marilyn) Christiansen of Waukesha, Mary (Richard) Touchton of Ocala, FL and Paul (Andrea) Christiansen of Ocala, FL, and many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gordon and sister, Elaine Brodt.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday June 11, 2016 at the Fennimore United Methodist Church. Carol will be laid to rest beside her beloved Gordon on their 72nd wedding anniversary in the Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Friday evening June 10, 2016 at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 9:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Saturday morning. In lieu of plants and flowers, a memorial fund is being established in loving memory of Carol M. Christiansen.