Ramona May Christensen

Ramona May Christensen, of Mankato and formerly of Willmar, MN. died Thursday, October 26, 2023.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato with visitation one hour prior to the service. Live streaming will be available at both the Christ the King Lutheran Church and Mankato Mortuary web sites. Burial will be at Fort Snelling on Friday, November 10, 2023.

Ramona was born June 25, 1930 to Henry and Sophie (Engelson Dybevik) Meyer in St. James, MN. Ramona was a baptized and confirmed member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James. She attended school in rural St. James (District 28), then St. James High School, from which she graduated in 1947. She was married to Richard Christensen on March 23, 1950, also at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in St. James. They were blessed with five children, though they lost a daughter shortly after birth. Richard and Ramona farmed for several years in the St. James and Lake Lillian areas, then in 1968, with Richard’s career change, moved their family to New Ulm. In 1973 they moved to Willmar, MN, where they owned and operated a cleaning business until selling and retiring in 1992.

Ramona was devoted to her husband and family. She and Richard cherished 67 years of marriage before his death in 2017. They were active members of Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, where they often served as greeters and Ramona participated in Circle and taught Sunday School. They were also active members of Senior Citizens Club and Senior Dining in Willmar, and frequently volunteered for both organizations. Ramona was more recently a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Mankato after moving here in 2016. Richard and Ramona enjoyed traveling, dancing, card-playing, and socializing with friends. Ramona especially enjoyed reminiscing about their trip to Norway and Denmark where they connected with relatives. Ramona was very proud of her family and enjoyed time spent with them [including not only family gatherings, but also attending as many children's, grandchildren's, and great-grandchildren's events as possible]. She loved listening to music, playing Scrabble, watching the birds, and watching her favorite MN sports teams. Ramona will be remembered as a kind, compassionate lady who was the epitome of selflessness and unconditional love and support.

Ramona is survived by her children, Ruth (Thomas) McNamara of Mankato, Mary (Jerry) Griffin of Minnetonka, and Paul (Jenifer) Christensen of Westborough, MA; daughter-in-law, Kathy Christensen of New Ulm; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Jean Knudson of Kimberling City, MO; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; son, Steven; infant daughter, Sharon; parents; brothers, Harold Meyer, John Meyer, and Kenneth Meyer; and sister, Evelyn Nelson.