Obituary of Forrest Robert Christianson

Forrest was born Mar 8, 1964 in Center City, MN, to David Truman Christianson and Mary Helen (Mayer) Christianson. He passed away peacefully at home on April 16, 2020 in Maple Grove, MN. 

Forrest spent his early childhood on the family farm in Harris MN, attending elementary school and special classes through age 12, moving into state care at Cambridge State Hospital and Fergus Falls, MN before moving into his permanent group home with Hammer Residences, first in Minnetonka and then at Lawndale in Maple Grove, MN. He enjoyed a mostly free and joyful childhood and a stable, rich life in a group living setting thanks to the caring people around him. As a child he travelled with his family on trips “out West” and around Minnesota to family reunions. Being a farm child he always appreciated room to run but as he became older, and more fragile with Parkinson’s, trips in the van, field trips with his day program and home and driving his own lawn tractor around his yard were highlights. He took joy in music and song and had a great love for tractors and trains. He heartily enjoyed slapstick humor and joking around. He grew into a man who was respected by his caregivers and peers. They allowed him his own feelings, space, likes and dislikes and gave him tools to help him grow. Forrest had a unique perspective on life and was a mirror to the care and kindness he received. He is missed by caregivers, roommates, co-workers, friends and family. He will always be “The King of the Forrest”.

His group home and day program are part of organizations that show acceptance and celebration of all people of all abilities while maintaining the health and needs of their clients. Forrest’s family requests any memorials be sent to Hammer Residences and Midwest Special Services.

Forrest was preceded in death by his parents, Mary in 1987 and David in 2002 and brother Park Hilding Christianson in 1991.

He is survived by sisters Kari Christianson (Dave Soderstrom) of Minneapolis, MN, Sara Brice (Thomas), niece Caroline, nephew Martin, of Northfield, MN and brothers, Klay Christianson (Cathy Collison) of Northfield, MN, Karl Christianson (Yvette) of Hopkins, MN, nieces Keely and Elise Christianson and Leon Christianson of Duluth, MN, many cousins and loving aunts and uncle.