Chris was born Charlene Bond Christianson on November 11, 1935 to Carl and Lillian (Bond) Christianson in Superior, WI. Chris graduated from Central High School in Superior. She was a lifeguard at Billings Park beach and worked as a switchboard operator, before marrying John (Jack) Pettingill on February 26th 1955.

Jack and Chris settled in Spooner, Wisconsin in 1960 where they raised their family. Chris worked many years at the Spooner Hospital at the reception desk in billing/insurance. Just before retiring the Pettingills moved to their little paradise home deep in the woods north of Spooner, where they loved the wildlife and nature. Chris loved all animals, but especially her kitties, chipmunks, deer, and birds.

Jack and Chris also loved to travel and enjoyed their 5th wheel camper. They loved going to Quetico Provincial Park in Canada to go fishing and Chris always “out-fished” Jack. They went there every year since around 1970.

Chris loved to swim so they put a pool in at their home in the woods, which the whole family enjoyed for many years. She loved her flowers, especially her begonias. She was a diligent berry picker and a wonderful dancing partner for Jack.

After Chris suffered a serious stroke in August 2019, and after Jack’s death two months later, she moved to Glenview to recuperate and then weather the pandemic. The staff there took great care of her and although she was a private soul, she loved them all .

Chris leaves behind her daughter Kim (Jim) Sundeen, son Buck (Sunny) Pettingill, 4 granddaughters Danielle (Tye) Wilhelm, Sally (Jimmy) Mattie, Laina (Davy) Marx, Carly (Ryan) Verdon, 6 great grandchildren, her beloved best kitty ever- Cookie, brother-in-law George “Bud” Pettingill, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of almost 65 years Jack Pettingill, her sister Karen Evans Gray, and her brother Charles “Ted” Christianson.

A private funeral will be held at the Northern WI Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Friday, December 30, 2022

The family wishes to thank the staff at Glenview and the staff at Moments Hospice. A huge amount of gratitude and thanks to Marcus and staff at Bratley-Nelson Spooner.

In lieu of flowers her family would appreciate memorials given in her name to your choice of Washburn County Humane Society, Glenview Assisted Living Center, or Moments Hospice.

(Mom) - we love you more! See you again on the other side of the stars.

Last Update: Jan 02, 2023 11:29 am CST