Wayne Gordon Christiansen

Wayne Gordon Christiansen, 82, of Virginia, MN, died on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at Essentia Health-St Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth following a fall. Wayne was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 21, 1941 to Landis and Jerdice (Casperson) Christiansen. He graduated from Hopkins High School in 1959 and from Augsburg College in 1963. He received his Master’s degree from Indiana University in 1968. He married Bernadine Lundberg on June 18, 1966 in Hancock, MN.

He taught English and Spanish at Virginia High School for 35 years. He planned not to sub a day in his life. However, living a block from the school and hearing the school bells announcing the hours, he was wooed back to sub, first to high school Spanish and English, and then to any class from preschool to high school. He loved subbing every day. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the faculty and staff and loved his interaction with students. In 2022, he was honored to be chosen by the Virginia High School graduating class to be their commencement speaker. He was humbled a year ago by Rock Ridge School District’s recognition for his 60 years teaching in the district. His goal was 70 years.

He was a long-time member of First Covenant Church, Virginia, where he served in many roles including many terms as chairman. He found fulfillment in participating in a number of musical groups—Range of Voices, the Choralaires, and Northern Lights Music Festival.

He enjoyed Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends at Camp Van Vac on Burntside Lake for over 50 years. His love of traveling led to many Road Scholar programs, as well as month-long trips to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he volunteered at a school.

Wayne is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bernie; daughters, Jennifer and Elizabeth; twin grandchildren, Soren and Laila; siblings, David, Norman (Marlys), Philip (Alice), Marlys (John), and Daniel (Cindy); and Godchild, Zachary Barnes and his sister, Kate Barnes. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service will be held on July 6th at 2 p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Virginia with visitation at 1 pm. Pastor Mike Hannay will officiate.   Coffee an' will follow.  Inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to:

Rock Ridge Public Schools to name a classroom in his memory (Checks made to: Rock Ridge Public Schools Mailed to: Willie Spelts, #RockRidgeRising Coordinator, Rock Ridge Public Schools 1405 Progress Parkway Virginia, MN 55792 or  https://alumni.rrps.org/donate-now/academics/ ); Northern Lights Music Festival, (https://www.northernlightsmusic.org/donate/); or First Covenant Church, Virginia, MN missions fund (231 5th St S, Virginia, MN 55792).

Family Services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please visit: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.