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Christianson, Donna Jean

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.
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.


These files are available in the Legislative Reference Library.