Greg & Barb Christiance

Gregory “Greg” E. Christiance, age 76, of Nelson, died on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Vibra Health in Fargo, North Dakota.

Barbara “Barb” J. Christiance, age 72, of Nelson, died on Friday, September 20, 2024, at her home.

A celebration gathering will begin at 11 a.m. and conclude with a time of sharing at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria. Interment will take place at West Evergreen Cemetery, Osakis. Full military honors for Greg will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Osakis VFW Post #7902.

Barb and Greg’s lives were beautifully intertwined from the start. Gregory Evan was born on April 10, 1948, to George and Donna (Van Wert) Christiance in St. Paul, and was raised in White Bear Lake. He attended Monroe High School and later in life, earned his GED. He was drafted to the U.S. Army and bravely served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. Upon his honorable discharge and return to Minnesota is where he met the love of his life, Barbara Fritz. They were united in marriage on October 24, 1970, and together they welcomed two children.

Barbara Jean was born on December 6, 1951, in St. Paul to Theodore Jr. and Alice (Hovland) Fritz. She attended St. Paul Harding High School and later in her life also earned her GED. She explored various jobs before meeting the love of her life, Gregory Christiance, and their love story began.

They spent a brief time in Oklahoma, where Greg worked as a dog catcher, bringing home dogs and ensuring each one found a loving family. After returning to Minnesota and settling in the Twin Cities, Greg worked as a garbage hauler, forming many lifelong friendships along the way, before dedicating 20 years to Prospect Foundry. Barbara dedicated 38 years to Wilson Tool. Alongside her career, she also spent time waitressing and babysitting for friends and family. Her selflessness touched the lives of many, creating cherished memories with her loved ones.

Following their respective retirements, they spent the next nine years in Lady Lake, Florida, before returning to Minnesota to be closer to family. Both shared a passion for fishing and traveling, particularly enjoying their trips to the ocean. Greg loved hunting, fishing, water skiing, playing horseshoes, and bowling, while Barbara enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and collecting salt and pepper shakers. Ultimately, what mattered most to them was quality time with family and friends. Their grandchildren and great-grandchildren always made their faces light up with joy every time they saw them. They will be deeply missed by their loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Donna Christiance; sister, Gail; and brothers, Gary and Bruce.

Greg was survived by his wife of 53 years, Barb who then passed on September 20, 2024; also surviving is his daughter, Gail (Duane) Barrett of Nelson; son, John (Mandy) Christiance of Columbus; two sisters, Pam (Jim) Peterson and Carol Sturges both of Bertha; four grandchildren, Austin, Courtney (Erich), Tiffany (Brandon), and Jessica; five great-grandchildren, Oden, Theia, Axel, Adelyn, and Frank; along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore Jr. and Alice Fritz; husband, Greg on September 18, 2024; and stepfather, John Dumond.

Barb is survived by her daughter, Gail (Duane) Barrett of Nelson; son, John (Mandy) Christiance of Columbus; two sisters, Rose Fritz of Georgia and Bev Reed of Anoka; four grandchildren, Austin, Courtney (Erich), Tiffany (Brandon), and Jessica; five great-grandchildren, Oden, Theia, Axel, Adelyn, and Frank; along with many nieces and nephews.

Urnbearers are Duane and Gail Barrett, and John and Mandy Christiance.

We invite you to share a special memory during the time of sharing at their celebration of life or leave a message in the online guestbook on their obituary page. Your words will bring comfort to our family as we hold onto their memories.