A. Irene Christianson, 93, Halstad, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2015, at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Alice Irene Stene was born September 4, 1921, near Shelly, MN, the daughter of Lars and Dina (Oien) Stene. "Irene" grew-up on a small farm outside of Halstad, the oldest of four children. She attended country school in Districts 95 and 2 near Hendrum, MN. She was confirmed at Concordia Lutheran Church, rural Hendrum, and later married Donald Christianson in 1942.

Irene moved to Halstad and raised her three children through her own hard work and determination. She worked for many families in the area cleaning their homes as well as the Halstad Telephone Company, Halstad Lutheran Church, and the Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home. She also drove school bus for over 20 years and had many fond memories of her co-workers and the children she drove. Until she was 90 years old, Irene worked as a Senior Companion, driving other seniors to appointments and helping them with grocery shopping. In her spare time, she volunteered at her church and the Halstad Living Center Nursing Home.

Irene was an inspiration to us all. She was an independent lady. She was the kind of Grandma that always had the coffee pot on, she had goodies to share, and root beer floats ready at a moment's notice. She loved playing cards, and taught most of her Grandchildren how to play Old Maid, Crazy Eights, and Kings in the Corner. She happily attended every family event she could and always remembered our birthdays and special occasions.

Irene is survived by her daughters, Donna (Wayne) Olson, TX, and Harriet (Loren) Lee, Pelican Rapids, MN; one brother Allen (Evelyn) Stene, Ada, MN; one sister Betty Dale, Crookston, MN; six grandchildren: Tim (Joan) Olson, Michelle (Matt) Richards, Lisa Christianson, Cory (Holly) Christianson, Blaine (Robin) Lee, and Brenda (Dave) Tobac; sixteen great grandchildren, along with great-great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents; her son Roger; her brother Lloyd; 2 sisters-in-law, Alice Stene and Margaret Stene; and brother-in-law Orlen Dale.

Funeral: 11:00AM Friday, February 27, 2015, at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.

Visitation: Thursday from 5PM to 7PM, with a 7:00PM prayer service at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Halstad. and Friday for one hour before the funeral at the church.

Burial: Concordia Lutheran Cemetery, rural Hendrum, MN.