Madison Area Lyme Support Group

It is with great sadness and a broken heart that we share that on August 28th, Grant J. Christianson passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.  For the past three years, he courageously battled chronic Lyme disease and ALS with determination and grace. Grant chose early to keep his journey with ALS private and as a family, we did our best to honor his request. He wanted people to share thoughts about his life and character rather than about a disease that robbed his body of strength.  A service remembering Grant will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 22nd at Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar.  Visitation will be from 4-6:30 pm, Thursday, September 21st at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar with a Time of Sharing at 6:30 pm.  Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Grant Jeffrey Christianson was born at Willmar Hospital on December 15, 1957.  He was the son of Grant L. and Arlies (Sachariason) Christianson.  He was baptized and confirmed at Svea Lutheran Church and has been a member of Vinje Lutheran since 1986.  Grant was born with a birth mark in his throat and had a tracheotomy for the first two years of his life.  The irony for those who knew Grant, is that he was unable to make a sound for those two years.  No crying, babbling or talking.  Grant made up for the lost time by being an excellent storyteller with a loud and distinct voice throughout his life.

Grant attended Blomkest Elementary School and graduated from Willmar High School and the University of Minnesota with an agri-business degree.  (He was always planning his trip to the Rose Bowl to watch the Gophers!)  The university did not disappoint as it was there, he met Joan Blonigan, the love of his life.  They were married on August 17, 1985, in Excelsior, Minnesota.  They were tripled blessed with children: Ali, Grant and Kai.  (See link for more)

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For more:

• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2019/08/20/wisconsin-girl-loses-battle-with-lyme-disease/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2023/08/25/more-deaths-from-lyme-msids/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/12/26/three-deaths-associated-with-lyme-carditis/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/02/21/17-year-old-dies-from-lyme-carditis/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2023/05/30/another-misdiagnosed-patient-dead-from-lyme-disease/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2020/06/16/lyme-community-has-lost-a-hero-friend-dr-neil-spector/
• https://madisonarealymesupportgroup.com/2021/02/15/ny-senate-passes-bill-requiring-state-to-track-lyme-related-deaths/