Don J. Christianson (87) of Fort Atkinson, WI, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2024 surrounded by family. Don was born on September 24, 1936 in Austin, MN. He graduated from Austin High School. Don attended the University of Minnesota earning his BA in 1958 and his ME in 1967. In the mid 70’s he earned his Pastoral Education degree from Evangelical Church Alliance.
Don met his future wife, Janet, in high school. They were married on July 7, 1956. They had 3 children: Daniel-deceased (Bonnie), Mary (Don)Baker of Rockford, IL and Jane (Keith) Gebhardt of Walterboro, SC.
Don started his work career as a Marketing Professor and Chairman of the Marketing Department at MATC – Milwaukee, and later, MATC Racine. In 1966 he became the Director of the Fort Atkinson Area MATC, where he stayed through 1980. Don’s desire to enter a full-time ministry started in 1980 when he became the president of United World Missions (Now called Mesa Global). Don and Jan traveled the world to offer support and guidance to the different missionaries in the US and overseas.
In 1988, he and his wife moved back to Wisconsin when he accepted the Associate Pastor position at Faith Community Church in Fort Atkinson. In 1992 he was named Senior Pastor at Faith Community Church until his retirement in 2001.
In 2005-2006 he took on the position of Interim President of Inspiration Ministries.
In the following years, he and Jan led 13 groups on tours to the Holy Land. He said this was one of the greatest blessings of his life.
Don is survived by his 2 daughters, 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren
Memorial services will be held at Faith Community Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a church reception to follow.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Faith Community Church, Mesa Global or Inspiration Ministries.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
Don J. Christianson
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