Darrell W. Christianson

Darrell Christianson, age 78, passed away on November 4, 2026, in Grand Forks.

Darrell Wayne Christiansen was born on April 2, 1948, in Oklee, Minnesota, to Herbert and Leona Eleanor (Marsonette) Christianson. He grew up in Oklee, graduating from Oklee High School with the Class of 1969. He continued his education at Bemidji State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts education.

Darrell married Linda Schultz in 1971. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Sandra, through adoption in 1978, and their son, Scott, in 1981.

Darrell worked as a builder all of his life and worked as an independent contractor in East Grand Forks. He later joined Strata Corporation as a branch manager in Rugby and later, Minot. He advanced into senior management and moved back to the Grand Forks area. After retiring from Strata, he continued to love building projects and kept himself busy putting up walls and installing flooring at his (grateful) family’s homes. He said he would do anything but plumbing, and then usually still did the plumbing too.

Darrell enjoyed traveling. He toured Europe and Asia after retirement.

Darrell loved college football, traveling, especially to Europe and Asia, black licorice, the color purple, a good poker game, well-poured concrete, making potato Klub, and loved a Thanksgiving dinner “spread”. He was a worthy opponent in our family’s battle to win necks and gizzards through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, finally earning his place as patriarch and getting first dibs at his daughter's Thanksgiving table for the last 25 years of his life.

Thoroughly Scandinavian in his upbringing, Darrell was reserved and taciturn amongst strangers, but open and generous with friends and family. Darrell was a particularly loving son and did what he could to make his mother’s last years comfortable. His family remained an important part of his life. He was especially close to his children, mother and his sisters. He expressed his love through practical generosity, and sharing his time and knowledge.

Darrell is survived by his daughter, Sandra (Joe) Melby; son, Scott (Kasha) Christianson; grandchildren: Sol Melby, Dade (Hayley) Melby, Aubrey Christianson, Kai Melby, Lexi Christianson, Gibson Christianson, Sascha Melby; great-granddaughter, Lennon Melby; sisters, Shirley Monaghan and Marcella Offerdahl, as well as numerous special nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews, now scattered across the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Leona Eleanor Christianson; and brothers, Jerome and Vernon Christianson.

Darrell did not like funerals, monuments, or goodbyes. In keeping with his (stubborn) wishes, no formal funeral or memorial service will be held. After much persistent negotiation, however, he agreed to allow a picnic in his honor. The date will be announced at a later time.