Norma Phyllis Christiansen

Norma Phyllis Christiansen, age 102, of Rhinelander, died on March 6, 2025 at the Rennes Health and Rehab, in Rhinelander. She was born on Nov. 15, 1922 in Elroy, the daughter of Samuel and Blanche (Salsbury) Smith. After graduating from high school Norma attended the UW-La Crosse and then transferred to the UW-Madison where she earned her teaching degree. She then taught school in Sparta, Marshfield and then Rhinelander where she taught for years at the Pine Lake grade school until her retirement.

When Norma moved to Rhinelander, she met Eugene (Cootie) Christiansen and they were married on June 22, 1952. God blessed them with nearly 53 years of marriage. Eugene preceded Norma in death on June 2, 1995.

Norma’s hobbies were reading history books, following all things University of Wisconsin-Madison and knitting. She also served as a tour guide at the One Room School House at Pioneer Park in Rhinelander. She was a longtime and active member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rhinelander, attending the weekly Bible study and running the prayer chain for many years.

She is survived by her son Mark (Marcia) Christiansen and her two grandchildren Marcia Christiansen and Zachary Christiansen. In addition to her husband, she also was preceded in death by her son Glen.

Visitation for Norma will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, with funeral services following at noon on Thursday, March 13, 2025, all at the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Service times will follow shortly. Reverend Dale Bishop will be officiating. Interment will follow in the Newbold Memorial Cemetery. You may leave your private condolences for the Christiansen family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving Norma’s family.