Marlyn I. Christopherson, age 88, of Brandt, SD passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at the United Living Center in Brookings, SD. Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Highland Lutheran Church, Brandt, SD. Burial will be in the Highland Lutheran Cemetery, Brandt. Visitation will be 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 11th at the Houseman Funeral Home in Clear Lake, SD and will resume Thursday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Marlyn was born august 25, 1931 to I.S. Ingbert and Minnie (Novick) Christopherson on a farm two miles north and two miles east of Brandt, SD. He was baptized and confirmed at East Highland Church. Marlyn received his education in country schools: Washington District 66, called the Severson School and then Battle Creek No. 54, called the Sather School and Cloverdale No. 8, called the Kjenstad School. He then attended high school in Brandt for three years before graduating from Astoria High School in 1948. Following high school, he enrolled to South Dakota State College for a short time. He returned home where he farmed with his dad until he was drafted into the United States Army on February 29, 1952. He served during the Korean Conflict where he had 16 weeks of infantry training at Fort Riley Kansas. Marlyn then served 18 months with the Occupation Troops in Germany where he was a lineman in the Heavy Mortar Co 8th Inf. Reg. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Cpl. E4 and received the Occupation Medal and National Defense Medal.
Marlyn was united in marriage to Mary Klapprodt on April 22, 1956 in the Leganger Lutheran Church in Toronto, SD. Marlyn and Mary purchased his dad’s farm where they milked cows, raised pigs, chickens, fed cattle and grain farmed throughout the years.
He was a member of the Highland Lutheran Church where he was an usher and served on the church board. Marlyn was also a member of the Brandt American Legion, a current member of the Peden-Cole American Legion Post 109 in Gary, SD and of the N.R.A. He enjoyed deer, pheasant, ducks and goose hunting. He played baseball, softball, bowled and golfed until his arthritis prevented him to continue. He loved to play Pinochle and Whist and read western books. After retirement he took up woodworking making yard decorations and farm toys. He collected 1/16 and 1/64 tractors and implements. Marlyn was proud of his large garden which he loved to share with family and friends. Marlyn especially enjoyed his grandkids and great grandkids.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Christopherson, Volga, SD; three children: Cheryl (Jack) Haugse, Rapid City, SD, Trudy (Mark) Hastad, Madison, MN and Scott (Amy) Christopherson, Volga, SD; daughter-in-law, Sherri Christopherson, Morton, MN; 8 grandchildren: Jason (Sarah) Christopherson, Ashley Arntson, Jessica (Peter) Rolwes, Matthew, Thomas and Tiffani Hastad, Carson and Brock Christopherson; 7 great grandchildren; 3 step grandchildren: Chad (Joni) Haugse, Brooks Haugse and Trista (Robert) Rybak; 3 step great grandchildren; 3 siblings: Clifton (Minerva) Christopherson, Helen Budahl and Lois (Leroy) Hamann; brothers-in-law: Don (Donna) Klapprodt, Leroy (Adeline) Klapprodt and Allen Klapprodt; sister-in-law, Linda (Gary) Alexander; and many nieces and nephews
Marlyn was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jerry Christopherson; sister Alona Schuers; brother-in-law, Carol Budahl; and father and mother-in-law, AC and Evelyn Klapprodt.
