Rita J. Christianson

November 20, 1949 - February 7, 2023

Rita J. Christianson, age 73, of Fremont
Died Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at her home, with her children by her side.

Rita was born November 20, 1949 to Clinton (Bus) and Darlene 'Hansen' Wagner in Fremont. She was raised on a farm near Hooper. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hooper, where she remained active through her high school years. She attended country school until 5th grade and finished her schooling in Hooper, graduated from Hooper High School in 1967. She graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Nursing in 1971 and began her nursing career in Omaha at St. Joseph's Hospital Adolescent Psychiatry Division. She worked there until she married Jim Christianson on September 7, 1974 and then moved to Iowa. The couple had three children while living in Iowa. The family moved to Fremont in 1983.

Rita was experienced in many areas of nursing over the years including an extended time in teaching (Marshalltown, IA and later Midland Lutheran College), long term care and finally as a Nurse with the Fremont Public Schools (specifically with special needs children). She retired in 2012.

Rita loved quilting, reading and word puzzles. She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Fremont and was very involved in various church activities. After Rita retired from Nursing, she volunteered at the Habitat for Humanity Home Store.

Survivors:
Son - Chad (Dawn) Christianson of Hooper and their children Tyler and Elli
Daughters - Michaela Christianson of Omaha
Gina (Todd) Gear of Urbandale, IA and their children Mason and McKenzie
Brothers - Tom (Diane) Wagner, John (Renee) Wagner and Eric Wagner all of Hooper
Sister - Teresa (Mike) Brohimer of Lincoln
Brother-in-law - Kevin (Cecelia) Christianson of Zearing, IA.
Mother-in-law - LaVonne Christianson of Zearing, IA.
nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends

Rita was preceded in death by her husband Jim in November 2005, parents, father-in-law Lavern and niece Shalee.

The funeral will be 11am, Saturday, February 11, 2023 at First Lutheran Church in Fremont, with a Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard service at the conclusion of the funeral, burial will be at a later date in the Hooper Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church. Visitation will be Friday from 4pm to 8pm with the family present from 6pm to 8pm at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com

Obituary Provided By:
Freeman Funeral Home
1249 E. 23rd St.
Fremont, NE  68025
www.ludvigsenmortuary.com