It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Hans Magnus (Chris) Christofferson on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at his beloved river home in Platte SD.
Chris was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on August 7, 1945 to Magnus and Thelma Christofferson. He grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School in 1963. As a young man, he served in the Air Force during Vietnam (1964-68) where he was stationed at Wethersfield Air Force Base in England and was a member of the Tactical Fighter Command.
Following his honorable discharge, Chris worked at Terrace Park Dairy (1968-1981). His career path eventually moved in another direction when he became a business broker for regional grocery stores until his retirement in 2018. It was also during this time period that he became a father and raised his children in Sioux Falls.
Chris was an avid outdoorsman and shared his passion for hunting and fishing—especially fishing—with everyone he knew and loved. Countless children and adults have been gladly introduced to the sport of fishing thanks to Chris’ generosity and willingness to share his talents. When he wasn’t on the river or in the field, he also enjoyed bowling, softball, golf and darts.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents Magnus and Thelma Christofferson, brother Lyle and close friends Shirley Haacke and Ron Rollog.
Left to cherish his memory, Chris is survived by his life partner Shelly Grotjohn, daughter Shaila (Lauren) Christofferson, sons Dana and Jon Christofferson, sister Linda Maydole, sister-in-law Deb Christofferson, three grandchildren Kristina Christofferson, Lee Brown and Miles Christofferson, nephews Lance Frisbee and Dustin Christofferson, nieces Leslie (Michael) Frisbee-Moeller and Andrea (Rick) Shea, “furever” friend Lily and numerous loved ones.
A Celebration of Life service will take place on Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at the Anderson Jones Corcoran Harrisburg Funeral Chapel, Harrisburg, SD, 5-9 pm. Due to COVID 19 the family request you wear a mask for the service.
Terribly saddened to learn of Chris’s passing. We were friends in the retail grocery business for many years. He was a joy! Rest in peace my good friend. Sincere condolences to his loved ones. He is in God’s presence now!
My prayers go out to his family. I have had the pleasure to know Chris for over 35 years. He and I worked many grocery store resets together. He always had a smile and great attitude. I had the pleasure to fish with him, what a pleasure to spend a day with him and his humor. May he rest in peach on the big lakes in the heavens.
Thinking of my loved South Dakota family during this difficult time. God bless all of you.
Love you,
Dar
Han’s father and my father were brothers.
Rest in Peace Two Butters. Prayers got out to your family. I got the privilege to work with Chris and his Dad at Terrace Park Dairy. We also bowled and played softball together. It was from softball Chris got the name Two Butters. We were on our way to Pierre to play a tournament, and we were one short. Chris said he knew of someone in Pierre that would play with us. We asked his name. Chris said he didn’t know, but he got two butters every Tuesday. We picked him up and won the tournament.