Albert Christianson, 75, Williston and formerly of Fortuna, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009, at the Bethel Lutheran Home, Williston, after a brief battle with cancer.

Memorial services for Albert are on Friday, July 31, 2009, at the Bethel Lutheran Chapel in Williston at 2 p.m. and on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at the Faith Lutheran Church, Fortuna, also at 2 p.m. The Rev. Martin Mock is officiating in Williston and the Rev. Ron Dahle in Fortuna, and interment follows at the Fortuna Cemetery.

Albert Ray Christianson was born Aug. 8, 1933, in Crosby to Axil and Frances (Sweitzer) Christianson. He was raised on the family farm in the Fortuna area and attended Clear Lake School.

Albert dedicated two years of service to the United States Army and was stationed in Germany.

Upon his discharge, Albert and his brother, Lester, entered into a partnership known as Christianson Brothers, farming and ranching near Fortuna. The two were well known and took pride in raising black Angus cattle. On Nov. 12, 1966, he was united in marriage to Ruth Olson in Williston. Together the couple farmed and raised their two children until moving to Williston in October 2008.

Albert was involved in the Fortuna community and curling club, a member for 15 years of the Divide County Soil Conservation and for a number of years at the Moose Lodge in Crosby. He served 27 years on the DeWitt Township Board, as well as the Faith Lutheran Church Council in Fortuna, where he was also a member.

He lived for farming and enjoyed nothing better than driving around, checking his crop and cattle. He did enjoy playing poker and reading. Honesty was a hallmark of Albert.

Albert is survived by his wife of 41 years, Ruth; a son, Shane Christianson, and his wife, Shannon, Kenmare; a daughter, Cindy Olivares, Belfield; brothers, Lester Christianson, Crosby and Richard Christianson and his wife, Marlys, Williston; sisters, Violet Ginter, Saskatoon, Sask., Carol Galvin and her husband, Pat, Hazen and Shirley Wahl and her husband, Allan, Bismarck and by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Curtis; sisters, Laura Paulson and Marie Christianson and a son-in-law, Raymond Olivares.

Friends may share thoughts and remembrances at www.eversonfh.com.

Friends may call at the Bethel Lutheran Home Chapel on Friday and at the Faith Lutheran Church in Fortuna on Saturday for the hour preceding the services.

The Everson Funeral Home, Williston is caring for the family.