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    Christianson, Donna Jean

    Sessions Served    Other Information

    House 1969-70 (District 66A)

    Party when first elected:  Nonpartisan Election-Liberal Caucus

    Counties Served:  Norman, Polk

    BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

    Date of Birth: 10/17/1931
    Birth Place: Perkin, Illinois
    Birth County:
    Birth Country: United States
    Date of Death: 5/11/2015
    Gender: Female
    Religion: Lutheran
    Reported Minority: None Reported
    Other Names:
    City of Residence (when first elected): Halstad
    Occupation (when first elected): Homemaker/Farm Owner

    EDUCATION

    Illinois High School; Secondary; Graduate

    OTHER GOVERNMENT SERVICE

    FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

    Spouse: Marvin E. Christianson (married in February 1950, he died on March 8, 1969); Widow (when first elected)
    Children: Three children: Marvin Jr., and David (he was born in August 1969, while she was in office), (sons); Lori Ann (daughter)
    Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:
    Marvin Ervin Christianson, Sr.  - Husband

    GENERAL NOTES

    She was a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. (Minnesota Legislative Commission on the Economic Status of Women); "Like her husband, Mrs. Christianson considers herself a member of the DFL oriented Liberal caucus." (St. Paul Dispatch, March 18, 1969)

    Religion provided by her husband's obituary.

    Her funeral was held at Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, Minnesota; she was buried in Halstad, Minnesota.

    "Donna was not only a potato farmer, but she worked as a biling agent for Halstad drug store, an LPN in Fargo, ND, at Kohl's in Bursville, MN and finally at JC Penny in Fairmont, MN." (Lakeview Funeral Home, Fairmont, Minnesota obituary)

    Total Days Served: 631

    SESSIONS SERVED

    66th Legislative Session (1969-1970)

      Session Details
    Body: House
    District: 66A
    Elected: 4/8/1969
    Residence: Halstad
    Term of Office: 4/14/1969 to 1/4/1971 (Special Election)
    Counties Represented: Norman, Polk
    Occupation: Homemaker/Farm Owner
    Party: Nonpartisan Election-Liberal Caucus Party Notes: She was a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party. (Minnesota Legislative Commission on the Economic Status of Women); "Like her husband, Mrs. Christianson considers herself a member of the DFL oriented Liberal caucus." (St. Paul Dispatch, March 18, 1969)
    Committees:
    • Agriculture
    • Governmental Operations
    • Health and Welfare
    • Land and Water Resources
    • Taxes
    Session Notes: She won the seat held by her husband, Marvin E. Christianson, Sr., before his death on March 8, 1969.

    OTHER INFORMATION

    Articles & Books About
    Seidler, Lotte. "Legislator's Widow Found She Enjoyed His Work." Minneapolis Tribune, June 12, 1969.

    "Legislator Gets Widow Benefits." Minneapolis Star, May 1, 1969.

    "Widow Will Seek Christianson's Seat." St. Paul Dispatch, March 18, 1969.



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