Gloria Mae Christopherson (nee Auerbach) age 89, of Ishpeming peacefully passed away Sunday, December 23 ^rd , 2018 at her home.

She was born in Dickinson, North Dakota, January 17, 1929 to Caesar J. and Carol V. (Throne) Auerbach. Her father was a U.S. Army Chaplain and Presbyterian Pastor.  The family moved several times, eventually settling in Spicer, MN, where Gloria graduated from Willmar, MN, High School in 1947.  Following her graduation, Gloria attended the University of Minnesota, until enrolling in the Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago in 1949.  She completed her academic and clinical requirements, graduating in the Spring Class of 1952 as a Registered Nurse. Of the 22 students enrolled, Gloria was one of the 12 who graduated. The12 had become a very close group of friends for life.

Gloria had met her future husband during church fellowship activities for young adults.  She married James E. Christopherson (who had secured a special leave from the U.S. Air Force for that purpose) on August 9 ^th , 1952 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, MN.  They lived at numerous bases in The U.S. and Germany.  Upon Jim's discharge, they moved to Chicago so that he could attend McCormick Seminary, while Gloria worked as an R.N. at (Rush) Presbyterian Hospital. Following Jim's preparation for ordination as a Presbyterian Pastor, they answered the call to minister to two struggling churches in Stanley and White Earth N.D., settling in Stanley, where Jim was ordained and installed September 14, 1958. Gloria played a major role in the eventual success of that ministry.  It was during this time that they started their family.

Their next ministerial calling came in 1963 in LeClaire, Iowa. Again, Gloria provided a very active involvement and leadership role within the church. During this time, Gloria secured a hospital staff R.N. position in Moline, IL. The family moved to Ishpeming in 1971, where Gloria's active involvement within the Presbyterian Church continued.  She continued her profession at the Northern Michigan University Health Center during the 1970's.  Gloria then accepted an R.N. position at Michigan's maximum security Marquette Branch Prison until her retirement in 1994. Gloria was a consummate professional who was compassionate, yet firm. She treated all of her patients with respect and dignity.

Each church assignment benefited from Gloria's involvement.  She formed and directed youth choirs, sang in the adult choirs, and played the piano.  She was an active leader of Christian Education as well as teaching Sunday School.  She took part in numerous Presbyterian Women Circles and Bible study groups. Gloria served as an Elder. She also did mission work. Gloria traveled to Kenya to work with the members of a sister church which devoted itself to working for the education and improvement of the lives of the homeless "Street Boys", along with building a home for orphans from the AIDS epidemic.  She, in turn, enjoyed hosting visits from her Kenyan friends.

Gloria was a generous person, always willing to dedicate her time, efforts, and personal resources.  She served on the Board of United Ministries in Higher Education/NMU, and was elected Chairperson in 1977.  Gloria also served for many years as Treasurer on the Marquette County Humane Society Board. She was very actively involved in working with Presbytery Point Church Camp on Lake Michigamme, serving in numerous administrative and fundraising positions.  She served as the Camp Nurse for several years.

Gloria was always "on the go".  One thing that was always of great importance to her is that she had never earned a university degree.  In 1983, she enrolled in the St. Joseph's College (Windham, ME) External Degree Program.  After 9 years of diligent study, assignments, and exams (earning top grades) - Gloria very proudly received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Professional Arts.

One of Gloria's great lifelong joys was staying in touch with her nursing classmates and attending their regularly scheduled class reunions.  She enjoyed playing the piano and singing.  Gloria was a member of the Marquette Choral Society, and enjoyed attending concerts, musicals, and recitals.  She was an excellent cook and an amazing pie-maker.  In her later years, she particularly enjoyed preparing dinners and desserts for her visiting children and grandchildren, as well as in her hosting of friends.  Gloria enjoyed dining out, Congress pizzas to go, church dinners and coffee hours. She enjoyed tending to her flowers, plants, peonies, and tomatoes. She had an extensive vegetable garden while living in Iowa. Gloria was a very proud Green Bay Packer Shareholder. She was a very avid Packer fanatic, "coaching" the team from her favorite chair with great exuberance.

She is survived by husband James Christopherson of Ishpeming, MI, sons Peter Christopherson (Karen) of Sheboygan, WI, Calvin Christopherson (Amy) of Wisconsin, daughter Caron Christopherson (Don Peterson) of Michigamme, MI, and grandsons Jacob and Justin Christopherson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Caesar and Carol Auerbach and her parents-in-law, Edward and Amy Christopherson, twin grandsons.

A Memorial Service will be held Wednesday, January 2 ^nd at 11:00 a.m. at the United Presbyterian Church of Ishpeming.  Pastor Lawrence Jones will officiate.  Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:30 until the time of the service.  Luncheon and fellowship will follow in the church fellowship hall.

Memorial may be given in Gloria's name to United Presbyterian Church Camper Fund, 112 East Euclid St. Ishpeming, MI 49849.  The family wished to thank Gloria's many friends and her church family for their love, support, and assistance.

Gloria's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note remembrance.

Gloria's funeral recording can be found here .