Obituary of Norman Eugene Christopherson

Norman E. Christopherson, 83, of Hermantown, formerly of Esko died Thursday, October 2, 2003 in St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth surrounded by his family in celebration through love and song. He was born March 6, 1920 in Breckenridge to Henry and Helen Mae (Leth) Christopherson. His father was the road master for the Northern Pacific Railroad so they lived in several different areas throughout his youth. He attended Hitterdahl High School, was captain of the basketball team and graduated in 1938. He married Hazel Bothun on November 15, 1941 in Duluth. They lived a short time in Clitherall and then Duluth before Norman joined the Army, serving during WWII. After the war, he returned to Duluth for a short time before moving to and making his home in Esko. He worked for U.S. Steel before owning and operating his own trucking company. He later drove fuel oil transport for Transport Inc. in Esko until retiring in 1981. In 1998 he moved to Virginia and in July of this year, he moved to Hermantown. For the past 20 years, Norman wintered in Mission, Texas. Norman also had a passion for Quarter Horses. He raised, bred, trained and sold Quarter Horses for many years. The original location of the North Country RIDE program was done at his home. He was an honorary life member of the 8th district Quarter Horse Association and the Arrowhead Saddle Club Association. He was a volunteer with the International Special Olympics providing horses for various events. He also sponsored educational horsemanship clinics. Norman was also a member of St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Esko, Teamsters Local, the Esko Farmers Club and Carlton County 4 - H. Norman had a very strong work ethic and instilled it in his six daughters. He raised them to be very independent. He never met a person he didn't like or that didn't like him. He enjoyed dancing, walking, golfing and traveling. His greatest love of all, however; was for his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel in 1997 and a sister, Marlys Boltz in 2003. He was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his family; his daughters, Mellie (Dave) Peach of Johnstown, CO, Eleanore (Ron) Norbie of Duluth, Noreen (Joe) Kersting of Bena, Eileen Christopherson of Esko, Deb (Jerry) Rock of Lake Amnicon, WI and Phyl (Tim) Whelan of Cloquet; his very special friend, Martha Drajna of Hermantown; brother, Hank Christopherson of Papua New Guine; 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his friends, Sharon Pernu of Virginia, MN, Kathy Mendez of Minneapolis, Ronald Drajna and Paul Drajna both of St. Francis, MN and Gordon (Donnis) Aanerud of Carlton and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Norman's Life was held on Tuesday, October 7, 2003 in St. Matthew's Lutheran Church in Esko. Inurnment was in St. Matthew's Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Cloquet Combined Honor Guard. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Matthew's Lutheran Church.