Patricia Kaye Christopherson died peacefully at her home in Kalispell on the morning of April 10, 2014.
Patricia was born on October 26, 1932, in Falls City, Nebraska — the fifth and youngest child of Edgar John Trayer and Lela Deaton Trayer. She was raised in Nebraska, Denver and Seattle where she graduated from high school in 1950. She was very proud of her active duty in the U.S. Navy in 1952 and 1953, during the Korean Conflict. She continued her service in the Navy Reserve in the 70’s and 80’s.
Her two children, Tracy Allan Axelberg and Julie Kaye Axelberg, were born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during her marriage to Robert Axelberg. She considered her children to be her most valuable contribution to the world.
Patricia and her children moved to Miles City in 1960, where she married Richard Christopherson in 1963. Richard preceded her in death in 1999 after 36 years of marriage. After attending Miles Community College and graduating in 1972, Patricia had a career as a registered nurse, first with Holy Rosary Hospital in 1972-73 and then at the VA Medical Center until her retirement in 1994.
Following her retirement Patricia became more active in her community, serving on the City-County Planning Board, the Range Riders Museum Board of Directors, the Miles City Public Library Trustees, as well as Friends Of The Library, RSVP Board of Directors, The Republican Women, Miles City Woman’s Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, and as a volunteer for The Custer County Art Center. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
Patricia moved to Kalispell in 2007, where she again engaged in community service. She had a passion for animals, particularly dogs, and Comet, Olivia and Ellie Mae shared her home in recent years.
Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Elizabeth Johnson, her brother Jack Trayer, and nieces Theresa Bleacher and Irene Anderson.
She is survived by her son Tracy of Bigfork and her daughter Julie of Miles City, four grandchildren — Nicholas, Amy, Austin and Andrew Axelberg, all of Kalispell — four great-grandchildren, her sister Bonnie Niles of Miles City, many nieces and nephews, and many friends.
Cremation has taken place. Funeral services will be held at Faith Covenant Presbyterian Church in Kalispell on Monday, April 14, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon will follow.
Memorials may be made to the Custer County Art Center, The Range Riders Museum or the Salvation Army.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Patricia’s family. You are invited to go to HYPERLINK “http://www.jgfuneralhome.com” www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Patricia’s tribute wall.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Karen Krausz says
Tracy, Julie, and family.
Pati was a wonderful person. Although we lost touch in the past few years, I enjoyed our friendship for a very long time. I will always remember our trip to Australia together and the wonderful memories. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Ed and Becky Gergen says
I worked with Pati at the VA Medical Center. Pati always looked very professional and she was very nice to me. I have very good memories of this lady. Hope you are making it through this difficult time.