Donald Christopherson

Donald A. "Donnie" Christopherson, age 63, Sisseton, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, at Coteau des Prairies Hospital in Sisseton.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, April 29, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Sisseton.

Burial will be in the Scandia Cemetery, rural Sisseton. Pallbearers will be Gabe Anderson, Karen Gregersen, Robert Azure, Jeff Rebischke, Mike Kaltveit, Doug Flannery, and Randy Flannery.

Visitation will be Friday, April 28, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at the church and will continue Saturday morning one hour prior to the service.

Donald Anthony Christopherson was born in St. Paul, MN, on April 28, 1959, to Harlyn and Betty (Azure) Christopherson. He grew up on the family farm in rural Sisseton, SD. Donnie attended school in Sisseton, graduating from SHS in 1977. During his high school years, he found success on the wrestling mat placing at the state wrestling tournament. Donnie's wrestling career was the start of the Christopherson wrestling legacy at Sisseton High School. His love of wrestling continued as a fan, cheering on his brothers, nephews and everyone else that put on a Redmen singlet. He was a huge sports fan in general and would often be seen wearing Vikings, Twins or Redmen apparel. Donnie was often present in the crowd, supporting his nieces and nephews in their many activities – everything sports related but also concerts, pageants, and dance recitals. He always showed up for his family.

Donnie spent a great deal of his life in bowling alleys. He was an avid bowler, and he worked for Dakota Resurfacing, refinishing bowling lanes all over the country. He worked hard and was proud of the work that he did.

Donnie loved the outdoors and spent much of his free time camping, fishing and hunting. He had a big caring heart, and he showed this by donating his fish and game to elderly people in the community. He knew how to appreciate the important things in life – his Mom and Dad, his siblings and extended family, his dogs, and the outdoors. His kind, gentle heart left an impact on everyone he knew. He made his journey home on April 20, 2023.

Donnie is survived by his partner Karen Gregerson of Peever, SD; his mother Betty Christopherson of Peever; son Gabrial (Linda Kramer) Anderson of Oakley, CA; sister Kathy (Paul) Ellingson of New Effington, SD, brother Ronnie (Shannon) Christopherson of Redwood Falls, MN, brother John (Mary) Christopherson of Sisseton, SD, sister Laurie (Ed) Degenhardt of Miami Shores, FL; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Harlyn Christopherson; grandparents Joe and Alice Christopherson, and August, Ida and Bernie Azure; nephew Matthew Ellingson; and uncles Torphyn Christopherson, Tony Azure and Raymond Kaltveit.