Jeanne Marie Christianson

Jeanne Marie Christianson (née Jaunty) completed her epic 95-year run on April 14, 2026. Preceded in death by her husband, Earl, and her brothers, Joe and Bill Jaunty. Survived by children, Tony (Paige), David (Carol), Susan (Rob), Peter (Stephanie), Ted (Nancy), Bill (Lucina), Eric (Jennifer), Paul (Sheila), Tom (Lisa), Nick (Melanie) and their families. She was a true Minneapolis original, born on August 25, 1930. Jeanne grew up attending St. Margaret’s Academy before heading to the University of Minnesota to study Home Economics, where she was crowned Queen of the St. Paul campus.

In 1950, she married Earl Christianson, embarking on a union centered on raising their family and managing what can only be described as an unimaginable mountain of laundry. Together, they navigated a beautifully chaotic household of ten children, nine boys and one remarkably resilient girl. Jeanne raised her flock during the survivalist era of motherhood, back when moms changed all the diapers, armed with nothing but safety pins and sheer willpower rather than convenient plastic tabs. Her steadfast Catholic faith undoubtedly provided the grace and the heroic levels of patience needed for the job.

Jeanne was one of those women who could truly do it all and still find time to keep everyone in line with her wry humor, while the rest of us were just trying to find matching socks. She served as a Den Mother, a Team Mother, and an active participant in Christian Mothers, the Homemakers Club, and the Study Club. Beyond her role as a matriarch, she was a talented artist who created watercolors, mosaics, and murals, sharing her work with family, friends, and the Catholic community. A lifelong seamstress, she could whip up anything from everyday curtains to elegant wedding dresses. On the rare occasion she couldn't find exactly what she wanted, she didn't complain about it; she simply made it herself—including building a couch entirely from the floor up. (Because why wouldn't a mother of ten build her own furniture?)

As her family multiplied into a small army of 39 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, Jeanne’s focus remained on building a lasting legacy. A golden memory for these younger generations is listening to her read from her collection of beautifully illustrated children's books, bringing every story to life with full character voices. A cornerstone of her legacy is the annual pilgrimage to Itasca State Park, a 67-year tradition the family still goes to great lengths to pull off. These cherished family trips instilled a deep appreciation for nature, fall colors, and hiking in the woods. Equally treasured was her beloved cabin on West Battle Lake, where she spent every summer dedicating hours to gardening, hosting huge family dinners, and building countless memories with her grandchildren at the lake.

Jeanne will be remembered for her sharp wit, her endless work ethic, and the undeniable personality she brought to every room, which was well loved by all. She managed to create a beautiful life out of thin air, sheer faith, and occasionally, leftover upholstery fabric. She will be profoundly missed, but her spirit lives on in the massive family she built and the art she left behind.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2nd at 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 PM at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church, Wayzata.

A reception will follow 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Woodhill Country Club 200 Woodhill Rd, Wayzata, MN 55391.

Interment at Saint John's University Cemetery will occur with family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Poor Clare Monastery of Sauk Rapids, MN (https://poorclares.stcdio.org/), whom Jeanne affectionately credited with keeping her wonderfully chaotic flock safely covered in their prayers.