Bernice Jeanette Christenson

Bernice Jeanette Christenson
October 19, 1929 – October 9, 2024

Bernice Jeanette Christenson, 94, passed away peacefully at her home in Athena, Oregon, on October 9, 2024. She was born on October 19, 1929, in Tulna, North Dakota, to Berndt and Petra Hovdeness.

On October 5, 1949, Bernice married her first love Sever Christenson, and together they moved to Athena, Oregon, where they raised their four children: three daughters and one son. Bernice was a devoted homemaker, enjoying activities such as baking, making lefse, quilting, and tending to her garden.

After the Quality Lumber Mill burned down in 1971, Sever and Bernice relocated to Long Creek, Oregon, where they immersed themselves in the small community enjoying each other's love of cards and humor.  Bernice left Long Creek in 1996 after Sever’s death and moved to Adams, Oregon, to be closer to family. In her later years, she found companionship and love in Dan Claasen, whose presence brought joy to her life. Dan and Bernice shared 15 wonderful years together.  After Dan's passing, Bernice moved back to Athena, where she was surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren.

Bernice is preceded in death by her husband, Sever; her parents; her sister, Corrine; and her brother, Jerome; son-in-laws Bob Kerr and Jim Pace; Grandson Kristopher Pace.

She is survived by her children: daughters Diann Kerr, Audrey Christenson, Judy Pace, and son Loren Christenson (Joann); grandchildren Jennifer Palmer (Jason), April Tupper (Paxton), Rhiannon Kerr, Gretchen Morton (Andrew), and Alicia Christenson; as well as nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Bernice will be deeply missed by her family, who will cherish her memory forever.