Stanley E. Christopherson, 85, died on Monday, Jan. 7, 2013, at Samaritan Bethany in Rochester, Minn.

Stan was born in rural Ostrander on April 23, 1927, to Clarence and Elvira (Pyburn) Christopherson. He graduated from Wykoff High School and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1948 to 1952. Stan married Shirley Copeman on Oct. 20, 1948, in Wykoff, Minn. He farmed for six years in the Wykoff area. Stan then worked for IBM for 30 years. He was a sports enthusiast and also enjoyed gardening and RV camping.

Stan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family.

He is survived by two sons, Steven (Marolee) Christopherson and Scott (Cheryl) Christopherson, both of Rochester; a daughter, Sherry (James) Wood, of Rochester; 10 grandchildren, Brian, Joleen, Emily, Jonathan, Katie, Peter, Becky, Cassie, Jenna and Tessa; nine great-grandchildren, Riley, Nora, Samuel, Ian, Ava, Allie, Gabriel, Braden and Bryce; and a sister, Ida Mae Robison, of Sacramento, Calif.

Stan is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; three sisters; and five brothers.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 11, 2013, at Christ United Methodist Church, 400 Fifth Ave. SW with the Rev. Michael Wuehler officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and an hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Grandview Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be directed to Christ United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Research.