Grant Theodore “Ted” Christianson, age 95 of Upham, North Dakota died peacefully in the care of his family and hospice on Monday, February 26, 2018 in his home.  He was born on December 13, 1922 to Gudbjartur and Gudrun (Hannesson) Christianson in Layton Township, McHenry County.

Ted and his nine siblings were reared on the family farmstead and attended the Layton Township School, completing his education at Bantry High School, valedictorian of the class of 1941.  On September 25, 1949, he was united in marriage to Carol Wagar (Shroyer) at Upham, North Dakota.  The couple made their home, raised their family, farmed and milked cows from1949 through 1972 on the farmstead.  In 1972, the couple moved into Upham, where Ted took employment with the Upham school as its custodian until retiring in 1988.  Even before he became the school custodian, Ted drove school bus for the district from 1968 until 1984.  A lifelong resident of McHenry County, he enjoyed woodworking, gardening, all sports, hunting, fishing and almost any outdoor activity. Ted was always very proud that he was 100% Icelandic and that his grandparents immigrated from Iceland.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol; his children, Grant Theodore (Patricia) of Justin, Texas, Susan Ann (Richard) McGee of Lake Metigoshe and Thomas Lee (Denise) of Upham; grandchildren, Christopher (Cari) Christianson, Heather (Anthony) Rollins, Zachary (Holly) Christianson, Mitchell McGee, Dr. Matthew McGee, Malynda (Travis) Inglehart, Sean (Dr. Chelsea) Erickson and Craig (Sarah) Erickson; 16 great-grandchildren;  one sister, Ellen Miller of Mesa, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Mary Christianson, Mesa Arizona and Bertha Shroyer of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Also surviving is his cat “Kessa” who remained with him throughout his illness. He was preceded in death by five brothers and three sisters, Freeman, Christine, Walter, Victoria, Russell, Ann, John and Joe; and his parents   

Memorials in his memory may be directed to the Melankton Cemetery Association, Upham 55+ Club or Heart of America Hospice, Rugby.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 3^rd at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Upham with spring burial in the Melankton West Cemetery, Upham.  Mr. Wally Fretland, presider.