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Christiansen, Florence I. (Florence Ida Wheeler), 1899-1979

 Person

Dates

  • Existence: 1899 - 1979

Biographical History

Florence Ida Christiansen (1899-1979) was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mother and wife.

Florence Ida Wheeler was born the 1st of 10 children on December 28, 1899 in Indian Valley, Idaho to David and Ida Weiermann Wheeler. She attended the local schools, achieving 2nd year of high school, the highest her town offered and creating a love of education she would use to teach her children. Florence planned to go to Ricks College, but received a call to be the first sister missionary from the Moreland Ward for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Western States Mission from 1918-1920 mostly around Denver, Colorado. She chose to serve her mission instead of college. Less than a year after her return, she married Gerald Niels Christiansen on February 17, 1921 and together they had 9 children: Rex W., Lowell G., Beth; Lois; Clyde, Marva, Howard D., Ida, and DeVar Christiansen.

Florence Ida Wheeler Christiansen died January 21, 1979 in Idaho Falls, Idaho and was buried in Moreland, Idaho.

Citation:
UPB files, Feb. 20, 2018 (Florence Ida Wheeler Christiansen; b. December 28, 1899 in Indian Valley, Idaho; d. January 21, 1979 in Idaho Falls, Idaho; parents, David and Ida Weiermann Wheeler; buried in the Moreland Cemetery; children: Rex W., Lowell G., Beth; Lois; Clyde, Marva, Howard D., Ida, and DeVar Christiansen; Western States Mission 1918-1920; Married Florence Ida Wheeler in Logan Temple, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on Feb. 17, 1921; Sunday School Teacher at 16; oldest of 10 children; job growing up was ironing; mostly served her mission in Denver, Colorado; loved education; very handy with household crafts; first lady missionary from Moreland Ward; planned to go to Ricks but didn't go to fill mission call; left April 24, 1918; released May 17, 1920)

1940 United States Federal Census, via WWW, Feb. 20, 2018 (Florence W. Christiansen; born in Idaho; married to Niels; highest education 2nd year in high school)

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