Colleen Christenson

Colleen Christenson, age 72, died tragically on Sunday, March 13, 2011 in a fire that destroyed her home.

Born March 25, 1938 to Oscar and Esther (Edwards) Christenson in White Lake, WI, Colleen moved to Appleton in childhood, and graduated from Appleton High School in 1956. She went on to earn her BSN in nursing from UW-Madison, and completed her nursing training at County Hospital in Milwaukee. Her nursing career spanned over 45 years — the majority of which was spent as a labor and delivery nurse. Later, she worked in hospital nursing, and finally in geriatrics, caring for patients at several area nursing homes. Her passion for nursing and her compassion for people were evident in her care of her patients.

Colleen gained great satisfaction from her family, her friends, her work, and her canine companions over the years – McGill, Sadie, Emma, and Abigail Grace (who perished with her).

She was a gourmet cook, and loved to knit and garden – always sharing the fruits of her labor. She enjoyed life and shared her positive attitude with all whose lives she touched. She loved her family and friends dearly — She was a devoted and loving sister and aunt, a compassionate and loyal friend; she will be remembered by all who knew her for her warm, generous heart and kind, gentle soul.

She is loved and will be dearly missed by her family and friends: children of her sister, Ellen: 4 nieces, Dr. Kay Theyerl and Susan Theyerl in Appleton, Mary (Keba) Theyerl and Julia Theyerl in Wilmington, Delaware; her nephew, David Theyerl and his family – Hannah and Jack – all in Pewaukee, WI; and children of her sister, Marie: Michael Costantini, Lana (Costantini ) Castle, and Cheryl Costantini, all of California; her brother-in-law, Donald (Mac) Theyerl of Appleton, her “aunt”, Sally Paulson of Hartford, WI and her family; and her “cousin” Donna Christenson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Esther and Oscar Christenson, and by her sisters, Marie Costantini and Ellen Theyerl.

To honor Colleen's wishes, there will be no memorial service. Colleen asked that when friends and family gather that they celebrate her life.
A memorial fund is established in her name and will be distributed to the Fox Valley Humane Association.

Heart of the Valley Crematory
101 N. Elm, Street
Kimberly, WI 54136
800-622-6208