Shirley Irene (Kallstrom) Christiansen

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Shirley I. Christiansen to her savior at 91 years old, surrounded by family and the loving staff at Colleen’s Caring Hands, Bemidji, MN on January 17, 2026.

She requested a private service with her ashes being placed with Rudy.

Born in Cass Lake to Alfred and Irene (Fuller) Kallstrom. She attended school in Cass Lake and graduated in 1952. She moved to Minneapolis where she worked and met Ronald Richer whom she married in February 1954. They had 3 children, Debra, Tony and Steven. They later divorced and she moved back to Minnesota from Texas. She started working at JC Penney in Bemidji where she met Rudolph Christiansen. They married in December 1962 and had daughter, Cheryl.

She dedicated her life being a loving wife and fantastic mother. She was an active person raising her 4 children and being a farmers wife. She was a landscaper, gardener, excellent seamstress, bowler with several trophies and although her husband was a carpenter, she painted, tiled, wallpapered and remodeled. We will miss her zest, loving support through life with her witt and gentle support.

She was predeceased by her husband, Rudy in 2003; parents, Alfred and Irene Kallstrom; brothers, Harold, Stanley (Jean), Russel (Thelma)and baby brother; sisters, Betty and Iona and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She is survived by her children, Debra Richer, Tony (Margaret) Richer, Steven (Jane) Richer and Cheryl (Richard) Karns; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild due spring of 2026. She is also survived by Colleen, Alisha and the staff of Colleen’s Caring Hands whom were her last family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Shirley Irene (Kallstrom) Christiansen, please visit our floral store.