Minerva Christopherson, age 91, of Brookings, SD, passed away on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the Sanford USD Medical Center Emergency Department. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookings. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Eidsness Funeral Home in Brookings.

Minerva was born on October 20, 1934, to Hugo and Elizabeth (Haiker) Strohschein in Clear Lake, South Dakota. She was raised on the family farm near Brandt, South Dakota. After her father passed away, Minerva had to quit school at the age of 12 to return home and help with the work on the farm. She continued working on the farm until her marriage to Clifton Christopherson on December 11, 1953, in Clear Lake.

Throughout her life, Minerva was a hard worker. She spent many years cleaning homes and operating a daycare, continuing to work until her retirement at the age of 85. Minerva cared for multiple generations of children, and she cherished every moment of it. She truly loved and treasured each of the children she had the privilege of caring for. Minerva enjoyed collecting gnomes, potting flowers, and having a hamburger from Nick’s. She was a homebody at heart and was known for being a giver rather than a taker. She took great pride in keeping everything neat, clean, and just the way it should be. Minerva loved welcoming others into her home and spending time with those she cherished. She especially enjoyed coffee with the girls, but above all, she treasured every moment spent with her family.

Minerva is survived by her three children, Glenda (Gary) Pederson, Jim Christopherson, and Gary (Deb) Christopherson; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and her longtime friend, Lou Plymate.

Minerva was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Christopherson; her daughter, Dawn Peterson; her parents, Hugo and Elizabeth Strohschein; and her siblings, Doyle, Odell, Ira, and Joyce.