Ivan G. Christianson, 93, of Austin, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at Sacred Heart Hospice, Austin.

Ivan Gilmer Christianson was born Aug. 9, 1918, to Christian B. and Bertha (Stemson) Christianson in Udolpho Township. He grew up in the Blooming Prairie area and attended schools there and graduated from Austin High School in 1936. He farmed with his father in Udolpho Township until 1945 when he joined the Marines and served in Guam and Japan. After leaving the service he returned home, and married Mildred Benesh on Aug. 22, 1946, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie. He later sold the farm and went to work for George A. Hormel and Co., working there from 1950 to 1982. He then attended Austin Community College where he studied bookkeeping. Ivan was a charter member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin where he served as church usher and assistant financial secretary. He liked to play golf and enjoyed fishing, always looking for the perfect fishing resort.

Survivors include his wife, Mildred, Austin; son Dennis (Julie) Christianson, Eden Prairie; daughter, Sandra (Howard) Sorenson, Snohomish, Washington, three grandchildren, Trent Sorenson, Jenna Christianson, Ellen Christianson, brother, Arnold Christianson, Austin, sister-in-law, Marjorie Christianson, Austin, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Christian and Bertha Christianson, three sisters, Blanche, Hilda, and Inez, six brothers, Bennett, Charles, Lawrence, Merrill, Clifford, and Orville.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Austin with Rev. Glenn L. Monson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment is at Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. The organist will be Ruth Monson and soloist will be Rev. Dan Kahl. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are preferred to Our Saviors Lutheran Church Building Fund or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com