Marlys "Chris" Marie Haugen

Marlys “Chris” Marie Christopher was born on April 1, 1942, in Grand Forks, N.D. the eldest of 11 children born to Wendell and Bertha (Olmstead) Christopher. As the oldest sibling, Chris learned early on how to lead with both strength and compassion, roles she carried with her throughout her life. She grew up in Breckenridge, M.N. where she developed a deep commitment to her family and those she loved.

Chris graduated from Breckenridge high school and attended St. Joseph’s nursing school where she earned her RN. She went on to earn her BSN from the University of St. Francis in 1987. Chris worked for over 40 years at Altru Health in Grand Forks before retiring and moving to Fargo.

On October 29, 1966, Chris married the love of her life, Rodger Haugen, and together they shared nearly 58 wonderful years of marriage. Their life was filled with love, laughter, and countless cherished memories. They raised five children in a home where family came first, and their partnership was a shining example of loyalty and devotion.

Chris was the beloved matriarch of her family. As a mother to her five children, she was the heart and soul of her family, always offering guidance, support, and humor. She took great pride in her role as grandmother to her ten grandchildren, and great-grandmother to her four great-grandchildren. Family was her greatest joy, and she made sure that everyone felt loved and cared for.

Known for her sharp wit and bright smile, Chris brought laughter to every gathering. In addition to her love of family, Chris had a passion for celebrating the holidays, decorating for the seasons, and shopping. From sparkling décor, creating one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces, to making everyone’s favorite baked goods, and giving the perfect gifts wrapped just so, she made every holiday magical. Chris’ passion for shopping became legendary within her family, who will always remember her stylish taste and love for finding “something different”.

Chris leaves behind her loving husband Rodger, her children Bret, Mark (Julie) Haugen, Joel (Buffy) Haugen, Erin Bjerke, Ryan (Jenny) Haugen; grandchildren Ann Marie, Alison and Brandon Bjerke, Trevor, Sophia, Olivia, Cohen, Beckett, Abbott, and Henry Haugen; great-grandchildren Marie, Grant, Mavis and Everett Bjerke, and her siblings Ronald, Donald, Timothy, Barabara, Richard, and Gregory Christopher. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings Raymond, Dennis, Kenneth, David, and son-in-law Dane Bjerke.

Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, North Dakota.

Memorials in honor of Chris may be made to the family.