Gailen Cal Christopherson

Gailen Cal Christopherson was born on February 18, 1950 to Calmer and Lillian (Lee) Christopherson, in Minot, ND.  Gailen moved with his family to Minnesota and in 1966, settled in Elbow Lake, MN. Gailen was confirmed in Upsala, MN.  He attended high school in Elbow Lake graduating in 1968.  Following high school, Gailen attended Fergus Falls Community College.  He then moved to the Twin Cities where he worked for Heston Manufacturing where he was the parts man for a few years.  He then moved to Barnesville, MN to help his brother Craig in the Barnesville Grocery Store where he worked for many years cutting meat and was the Dairy Manager.  During the hunting season, Gailen would be found processing many deer.  He retired from the grocery store in 2012.  During his retirement he helped Jerry Riddle butchering for a season.  He also spent time helping his nephew Derek remodel the Christopherson Plaza in Fargo where he specialized as the tour guide. 

Gailen’s passion was fishing, playing pool, and being a pure-bred Norwegian.  He enjoyed playing pull tabs, ping pong, and pinball.  He was active in Pool League for many years.  He also enjoyed many years of hunting camp in the woods near Perham with family and friends.  He stuck with the Minnesota Vikings whether they won or lost.  He enjoyed watching UFC fights and boxing.  Gailen will be remembered for his one-liners and how funny he could be. 

He is survived by his significant other, Lisa Nygard, of Barnesville, MN; one son Jason Anderson of Eau Claire, WI, siblings: Deanna (Dave) Johnson, of New Richmond, Wisconsin, Kevin (Candi) Christopherson, of Dilworth, MN and Carla Gingerich, of Fargo, ND; sister-in-law Judy Christopherson of Perham, MN; several nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends.   

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calmer and Lillian Christopherson, and brother Craig Christopherson. 

Gailen Christopherson, 73, of Barnesville, MN, died on October 16, 2023 at Sanford Hospital in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 19, 2023 at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN.  Burial will follow in City Cemetery, Barnesville. 

Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Thursday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be designated by the family.