Joyce A. Christianson, 85, of Hutchinson, mother of Gary Christianson, passed away July 6, 2017, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Blessed be her memory.

Joyce Ann Christianson was born on Nov. 23, 1931, in Miles City, Montana. She was the daughter of Ora and Dovie (Childres) Bethke. She graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City, Montana.

On Nov. 23, 1950, Joyce was united in marriage to Oscar Gordon Christianson. They had three children. Joyce and Gordon resided in Broadus, Montana; Clara City, Minnesota; Belle Fourche, South Dakota; and North Platte. They shared 56 years of marriage before Gordon passed away. Joyce moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, following her husband’s death and remained there for the last 10 years of her life.

Joyce and Gordon owned and operated a chain of three department stores in Belle Fourche, South Dakota; Broadus, Montana; and Miles City, Montana, for 13 years. Joyce was also employed in the business offices of several medical practices. Joyce worked hard at whatever job she had in order for her children to have the opportunity to further their education, and she took pride in their accomplishments.

Joyce enjoyed playing cards and was a member of several bridge clubs. She loved reading, watching movies and working on various puzzles. She loved listening to music and was once a pianist for her church. She had a very strong Christian faith and was usually involved in a Bible study group and church circle. She was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Dovie Bethke; husband, Gordon Christianson; and daughter, Brenda Joyce Eller.

Joyce is survived by her children, Gary (Peggy) Christianson of Dassel, Minnesota, and Dean (Susan) Christianson of Ashley, North Dakota; son-in-law, Ed Eller of Onida, South Dakota; grandchildren, Ashley Eller, Mike (Lara) Christianson, Evan (Eva) Christianson and Marcus (Paige) Christianson; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be shared at hantge.com.

Services were at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with Pastor Steve Olcott officiating. Burial will be at Valley View Cemetery in Broadus, Montana, at a later date. Dobratz-Hantge Chapels, Hutchinson, is in charge of arrangements.