Mrs. Maree Joy Christensen, age 83, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on December 31, 2024 surrounded by the love of her family. Born September 20, 1941, in Mauston, WI, she was the cherished daughter of Bernice and Oscar Halverson.
Maree grew up in New Lisbon, WI where she graduated from New Lisbon High School. She continued her education at Luther College in Decorah, IA earning a degree that set her on a path of teaching and inspiring young minds over a 35-year career as a dedicated schoolteacher in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Tennessee.
On June 28, 1963, Maree married the love of her life, Cal Christensen. Together they built a beautiful life filled with faith, family, and joy. Maree devoted her life not only to her own children, Terri, Traci, and Paul, but also to their spouses, children, and grandchildren, becoming a beloved matriarch of a growing legacy of love and faith.
A passionate and active individual, Maree’s life was a testament to her vibrant spirit. She was an avid bowler, a skilled crocheter, and a participant in numerous ladies’ prayer meetings and church groups. One of her consistent passions was the Prayer Shawl ministry, where she crocheted countless shawls for the sick and the infirm. Maree was a devoted member of Ward’s Grove Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, TN where she served her church family faithfully, sharing her wisdom and kindness with her generosity of spirit.
Maree’s memory will forever be cherished by her loving husband of 61 years, Cal Christensen, and her three children and their spouses, Terri Moorman (Doug), Traci Byers (Ron), and Paul Christensen (Jennifer). Her grandchildren include Doug Moorman (Sylvette), Brittany Lake (Brett), Ashley Griesser (Michael), Matt Moorman (Samantha), Chelsea Moehle (Thomas), Cali Smith (Mike), Nate Moorman, Nic Moorman (Berkeley), Randal Byers (Ellie), Tiffany Barnes (Micajah), Richard Byers, Ryan Byers (Karen), and Luca Christensen. Her great-grandchildren include Brielle, Bayleigh, Legacy, Parker, Charlie, Kolu, Cristiano, Tommy, Remington, Annabelle, Everlie, Casen, River, Haytham, Gannicus, and Arzhela. She is also survived by her brother, Gene Halverson, and sister, Darlene Bowen. Each member of her family brought her immense pride and joy. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernice and Oscar Halverson; brothers, Harland Halverson and Gordon Halverson; and sister, Phyllis.
Maree’s life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her impact on her family, friends, and community profound. Her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 12:00noon until 2:00pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, January 5, 2025 at 2:00pm at Woodfin Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.
