Obituary - Randolph Christofferson

Randolph Christofferson, 90, passed away on Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, of natural causes at Northern Montana Care Center. 

Visitation will be from 2 to 7 p.m, on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015, at Holland & Bonine Funeral Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, 2015, at First Lutheran Church. Interment will follow with military honors in Highland Cemetery. His family has requested that memorials be made in Randy's name to First Lutheran Church or to the charity of the donor's choice. Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements. Please visit Randy's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Randy was born on July 11, 1924, in Malta, to Harold and Ovedia (Solberg) Christofferson. He was raised in Malta, attending school there. Following his school years, Randy worked on the family farm until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1944. He served as a paratrooper in France and Germany until his honorable discharge in 1946, when he returned home to Malta. In 1947, he married Mavis Tribby, and their union was blessed with three children. In the early 1950s, the couple moved to Chester where Randy worked for International as a mechanic. In 1962, the couple relocated once again, this time to Havre, where he continued his work for International for a few years, before moving on to work for the city shop as a mechanic, for Northern Montana College in the physical plant, and for the city in the wastewater treatment plant serving as maintenance and operator, before retiring in 1989. 

During his retirement, however, Randy did not become sedentary. He spent his time as an avid woodworker, crafting items for his beloved family and keeping his yard and gardens immaculate.  Randy was a loving father and husband who adored his family and was faithful in his church attendance until his health prevented it, but he continued to "attend" church, listening to the broadcast over the radio. When his family was younger, he loved taking them camping and leading campfire sing-alongs. Early on, he enjoyed his time in the rodeo, riding bucking horses.

Randy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mavis in 2000; his brother, Art Christofferson in 2014; his sisters, Elida Watson, Harriet Suddith and June and Ann Christofferson; and his parents, Harold and Ovedia Christofferson.

He is survived by his son, Randy (Peggy) Christofferson of Havre; his daughters, Avis (Roger) Stewart of Florissant, Missouri, and Wanda (Bill) Dean of Havre; his 12 grandchildren; his 28 great-grandchildren; his brother, Arve (Marilyn) Christofferson of Bozeman; his sister, Jeannette (Albert) Watson of Minnesota; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.