WOLSEY — Josephine Christopherson, 95, of Wolsey, passed on to her maker on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at Huron Regional Medical Center in Huron.

Her funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 31, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wolsey with Pastor Scott Spiehs officiating.

Due to weather, a private burial will take place at Wolsey Cemetery at a later date. Visitation, with her family present, will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Wolsey.   

 
Josephine (Josie) Elaine Smith was born March 24, 1928, to Joseph and Serena (Avery) Smith at Tulare. Josie was a true pioneer of South Dakota. When Josie was seven years old the family relocated to a farm near Hitchcock. In 1940 the family moved once again to a farm north of Wolsey.
Josie graduated from Wolsey High School in 1946.  After her graduation she attended the Northwest College of Commerce and was employed in the office of the Gamble Store in Huron. When her father passed away, she returned to the farm near Wolsey to care for her mother.

On Dec. 21, 1951, Josie married Ross Christopherson. Ross and Josie lived in or near Wolsey for the majority of their days. They purchased the Friendly Tavern in 1968 and operated it for ten years. After Ross’ passing in 1987 Josie worked seasonally at several green houses, the Huron Nursing Home and served for 13 years on the staff of Homecare Services. Josie retired and moved to an apartment in Wolsey in 1996 and has lived there since.

Josie enjoyed embroidering. Her embroidered towels, napkins and kerchiefs are proudly displayed and used by many of her friends and family members to this day. Josie was a talented baker and was gifted with a green thumb, planting many flowers and vegetables for the sharing and enjoyment of all. Josie enjoyed collecting cardinal figurines, bells, cherished teddys, state thimbles and spoons. She enjoyed playing both the accordion and piano for her family and friends.

Josie was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Wolsey Senior Center, and St. Johns’ Lutheran Church of Wolsey.

Josie is survived by three daughters, Janet (William) Meehan of Lead, Rhonda (Michael) Butts of Mountain Home, Ark., Becky Reynolds of Huron; and one son, Bradley (Rusty) Christopherson of Lennox. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and many nieces and nephews.

Josie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ross; two brothers, Leigh and James; five sisters, Sarah Brugger, Vera Miller, Verda Tomsha, Mildred Tschetter and Marjorie Traver; and one grandson, Jason Peterson.

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