William L. Christianson

William Lorenz Christianson, 89, of Red Wing, died peacefully at home on Monday, January 26, 2026. He was born on the 4th of July, 1936, in Red Wing to William C. and Myrtle L. (Lorenz) Christianson. He attended Hancock Elementary School and then lived in Germany from 1947 to 1949 with his parents while his father served as a judge at the Nuremberg Trials. Bill’s lifelong pursuit of justice and commitment to human rights were shaped by these years.

Bill graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1954, attended Carleton College in Northfield, and graduated from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities with a political science major and a history minor. He received his law degree in 1963 from William Mitchell College of Law. On July 27, 1963, he was united in marriage to Judith V. Pearcy, and they were blessed with three daughters, Emily, Elizabeth, and Sarah.

Bill practiced criminal and civil law for nearly sixty years. In addition to his private practice, he served as a First District Assistant Public Defender (1967-1999), Goodhue City Attorney (1975-1989), and Assistant Goodhue County Attorney (2002-2022), and he was a member of the local and state bar associations.

Bill was a member of many local organizations, committees, and boards: Red Wing Lions Club, Noontime Kiwanis Club, Lauris Norstad Sons of Norway Lodge, Toys for Tots, Marine Corps League, Sons of the American Legion, Memorial Day Observance Committee, Goodhue County Veterans Memorial Committee, Red Wing Planning Commission, Cannon Valley Trail Commission, Sister Cities Commission, Red Wing Public Library Board, Sheldon Theatre Director Search Committee, Seminary Home Board, University of Minnesota Alumni Association, United Lutheran Men in Mission, and Roundy Club. He served as a president or secretary for almost all of these organizations and generously volunteered his time, enthusiasm, and legal expertise.

Bill had a tremendous passion for sports. He played softball into his mid-seventies, coached several softball teams, and managed the Red Wing Scarlets town baseball team. He was an avid fan of the Red Wing Wingers, Red Wing Aces, Carleton Knights, Minnesota Gophers, and Minnesota professional sports. He had a wealth of sports knowledge and loved playing, watching, and talking sports. He started jogging in the 1960s, and he walked or biked to and from work nearly every day.

Bill will be greatly missed by his three daughters, Emily Christianson of Red Wing, Elizabeth (Scott) Neslund of Waconia, and Sarah Christianson of Red Wing; one granddaughter, Anna Neslund of Waconia; brother-in-law, David (Rochelle Montagna) Pearcy of Independence, MO, and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Judy.

Memorial service will be 11 am Saturday, February 14, 2026, at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing, with Reverend Justin Boeding officiating. The service will be live-streamed and can be viewed below. Visitation will be from 4 pm to 7 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, and at the church for one hour before the service. Burial will be at a later date at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to United Lutheran Church, Red Wing Public Schools Foundation, or Red Wing Aces Capital Campaign.