Vernal C. Christianson ‘Buster’
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Christianson, Vernal, C., ‘Buster’ Rochester; age 89; passed away peacefully on 2/18/2015 surrounded by his family. Vern was predeceased by his wife of 42 years Leona (Boland) Christianson; sister, Delores (Marv) Mund of Milnor, ND and brother Elmer (Ginny) Christianson of Marion, NY. He is survived by his children Eric (Melissa) of Greece, Mark (Valerie) of Webster, Susan (Kevin) Conway of Ogden, Paul (Donna) of Greece, and Dale of Greece, Grandchildren Michelle (Greg) Harding, Andrew (Alexis) Christianson, Joseph (Sheena) Conway, Lauren (Sean) Passey, Thomas Christianson, Kelly (Rob) Phillips, Scott Christianson, Maureen Konopka (Fiancé John), Alex (Erin) Efron, Nate Efron, Jennifer and Adam Christianson, Great grandchildren Jack and Bradley Harding, Kylie and Caden Christianson, and many additional cousins, nieces, and nephews. Vern was a WWII Veteran serving in the Navy aboard the USS Lindsey DM-32 engaging in the battles of both Iwo Jima and Okinawa and earning the Purple Heart after his ship came under Kamikaze attack. Vern, born and raised in North Dakota moved to Rochester, NY following the war, where he married Leona and worked at Erdman Anthony Associates performing Civil Engineering design for over 30 years. Following his retirement he found much reward in honoring his Navy experiences through attending several shipmate reunions and recounting his experiences for the Library of Congress Veterans History Project. Vern was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church for many years, enjoying the friends and relationships developed through time spent supporting the congregation. The family wishes to thank St. Ann’s Fifth Floor staff for their compassionate and supportive care. Friends and family may call Monday (Feb 23rd) 3-7 PM at Vay-Schleich and Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Funeral Service will be held Tuesday (Feb 24th) 11:30 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4301 Mt. Read Blvd. Internment with military honors will be held immediately following at White Haven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church in his memory. For more information or to sign Vern’s online guestbook, please visit Meesonfamily.com.
Dad, you were the best. I will sorely miss our visits, dinners at the various Greece diners, the telephone chats and most of all, your advice on almost anything.
Love you pops,
Eric
Grandpa, I miss you so much already. You were the most selfless person I have ever met and I can only hope to be a fraction of the person you were. You will be greatly missed but you will always remain in our hearts and thoughts.
Love you Grandpa,
Andrew
Grandpa Bus, thank you for all the great memories you have given me over all the years. You were such a distinguished and thoughtful man and I am proud to say you are my Grandfather. You have instilled such a strong foundation in our family and know that it will continue on. We miss you so much, but know you are at peace now. Say hi to Grandma Lee for me! I Love You!
Your Grandson,
Joe
My Father served with you Father, Grandfather on the USS Lindsey DM-32. I lost my father October 24, 2008. I wish to pay honor to your loss, he truly was one of the greatest generation. My Fathers name was Parley F. Seyboldt.