Rodger Christiansen

rodger christiansen
Rodger L. Christiansen, 79, Fargo, ND, died Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at Sanford Hospital in Fargo. Rodger LeRoy Christiansen was born July 12, 1938, in Walcott, ND, to Loyle and Ruth (Snider) Christiansen. Rodger was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Methodist Church in Walcott. He grew up on a farm near Walcott, ND, and attended Smith School at Colfax Township, grades 1-8. Loyle offered him a calf if he would quit school to stay home and farm. On July 2, 1955, a tornado hit the farm, destroying their home, barn, and livestock. He proudly received his GED in 1982. Rodger was enlisted in the Army 1957-1959. His enlistment included a tour to Germany at the same base as Elvis Presley. He worked at Siouxland Dressed Beef from 1965-1972. In 1972, he became part-owner of Bronk’s Package Store, which he managed until 1978. He then was employed as an agricultural chemical salesman at Agsco until 1991. He started working for Farmers Mutual in 1985 selling hail insurance and began crop adjusting in 1995. He loved the comradery he had with the farmers and continued working for Farmers Mutual until his death. Upon returning from overseas in 1959, he met the love of his life, Dallas Lee, from Kindred, ND. They were married June 12, 1963, at Kindred Lutheran Church. They had three children – Terryl Lane, Teresa Lynn and Trudy Lee. Terryl passed away in 2004; Teresa lives in Bismarck, ND, with her husband Mike Feist; Trudy lives in Twin Valley, MN, with her husband Bryan Mickelson and their two children Terryl Lynn (11) and Cheyenne Coleen (8). Rodger enjoyed elk hunting in Colorado (and bragged that he shot eight elk), fishing, playing cards, giving his granddaughters rides behind the pontoon on Big Bertha, and traveling to Arizona each winter. He and Dallas spent the last 26 summers at Frank’s Lodge on Star Lake. They’ve been a member at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo for over 50 years. Rodger was a man of character and well known for his physical strength, warm heart and incredible work ethic. Once you met him, you could not help but respect him. When you shook his hand, you knew he meant it. Rodger was preceded in death by his son, Terryl; parents Loyle and Ruth; father and mother-in-law Tallef and Beatrice Lee; two infant twin brothers; brother Darrell and wife Joan; sister Myrna Wallace and husband Ed; sister Gloria Mount and husband Bart; brother-in-law Dennis Lee and nephew Lyndon Lee; nieces Jill Elliott and Janna Christiansen; and grand-nephew Luke Zeitlow. Rodger is survived by his wife, Dallas; his daughters Teresa (Mike) Feist and Trudy (Bryan) Mickelson; two granddaughters Terryl and Cheyenne; sister Doris (George) Katseres; brother Robert “Buck” Christiansen; brother-in-law Gene (Delores) Lee; sister-in-law Altha Johnson; and brother-in-law Rodney Lee. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom he adored like his own children. A memorial gathering will be held Thursday, August 24, 2017, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. The memorial service will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Fargo. Burial will be held at Perhus Cemetery, Kindred, ND. Rodger was very fond of the Salvation Army, as this organization greatly assisted his family after the tornado. Memorials are preferred to the Salvation Army or your favorite charity.

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  1. Dear Dallas, Trudy and Bryan and girls and Teresa and Mike, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you say good-by to a wonderful husband, father and grandfather…Rodger will be missed by many….we are grateful that we got to know him and spend time with your family these past 12 years…may loving memories of him and the wonderful family time you had together be forever in all your hearts and give you peace.

  2. Dear Dallas and Family,

    Thinking of you and keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. I know with the help of your family and friends and your strong faith you will find the strength to make it thru the difficult days ahead. Rodger will be missed by not only Darrel and I, but by many. Love you.

  3. Dearest Dallas and Family,
    It is difficult to justly convey in words how much we love and cherish your family. The passing of Rodger feels like the loss of a husband, father, and grandfather to us too and we are so so sorry. We take comfort in that we know Rodger and Terrel are together in heaven and just imagine how glorious that must be. We feel fortunate and blessed to share your lives as neighbors and friends these many years and our heartfelt condolences go out to all. We are here for you now and always and will be keeping a loving and watchful eye on Dallas. Prayers and Blessings to you all.

  4. Dallas,
    I was so saddened to hear of Rodger passing. For the short time I worked with you, in talking with you I felt that your love for each was so strong by the way you spoke of him. Please know you and your family are in my prayers. God bless.

  5. It is with a heavy heart that I send my respect and condolences for this great loss. He was special & I loved him.
    Always ‘your girl’ Uncle Rodger ~ Roxanne

  6. Dallas and family, I am so sorry to hear about Rodger”s passing. He was so very instrumental in our hail insurance business. We spent many years together providing the best adjusting services to many of our clients.
    He was so genuine and fair to both our insureds and the company he represented.
    We talked many times about your Star lake and Arizona fun times. He is a very special guy and will be missed by all. Our condolences to you.

  7. Rodger was like another grandpa to me growing up, and my grandparents were neighbors and close friends of Rodger and Dallas when they lived in 21st street. It was always fun visiting and talking to Dallas and Rodger at their old red house near South High, and at the lake. Rodger was a gentle giant with the kindest heart. I know him and Ralph are already out on Star Lake catching fish as we speak and playing cards.

  8. You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you all go through this loss. With much love Travis and Brandie Smith

  9. To Dallas & Family:
    Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family at this difficult & sad time.

    We enjoyed meeting & getting to know Rodger. We know how shocked you all are.

    May God be with you all.

    Your friends, Jim & Lorraine

  10. Dallas & family, I was so sorry to hear about Rodger. I am out of town but a friend texted me. I am so sorry to have missed everything. I know how hard this is for you & your family but I know you are strong & will get through this. Please give me a call when things settle down & we can have lunch & visit.
    Again my love and prayers are with you and your family.

  11. Dear Dallas and family, we are so saddened to hear of Rodgers passing. We have only known you two for a few years but ever since we met Mike and I felt like we had known you for a lifetime. Rodger was a man of great character and strength. It was a gift for us to have spent some time with you guys when you were in Arizona. We will miss him dearly. Our prayers for you and your family. May God’s grace and your faith and family comfort you at this time.


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