Debra Christianson, age 61, of Powers Lake, ND, formerly of Williston, ND passed away May 3, 2018 at Trinity Medical Center in Minot, ND.

Debra Kay Van Berkom was born June 25, 1956 to Robert and Donna (Grubb) Van Berkom in Powers Lake, ND. She attended elementary school and graduated high school in Alamo, ND, along with her brother and sister, Teresa Hoff and Robert Van Berkom. Debra graduated in 1975. She attended college at Williston State College for accounting in 1976. Debra married Loren Riveland in 1978, which brought her first son, Ryan Riveland on October 3, 1980. On May 30, 1986, Joshua Renaker was born to Debra and George Renaker. Joshua passed away on November 27, 1986. Debra married John Christianson in 1987 and together they had two sons, Blue and Ridge Christianson. Blue was born April 22, 1987 and Ridge was born February 6, 1990.
Debra was loved by all that crossed paths with her. When she smiled it would brighten the world. She always had been very close with her sibling, Robert and Teresa. Debra loved to sit at the lake and enjoyed watching the geese with Teresa. She always kept a positive temperament, even when things were bad. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. It warmed to heart to see all of them together. She had many close friends she enjoyed being with, especially Kay Erickson and Karen Nygard. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her significant other, Brad Flaten.
Debra loved music, singing, and dancing. She once said “if you don’t enjoy music, then you must have lost your soul”. She always enjoyed opening her doors and windows to listen to the rain and to let the fresh rainy air in. She never put people down and was always open and understanding. She would listen to everyone and respond in way that would make them feel better.
In her last few years, she stood strong with a smile through a long battle with cancer. After three years of it, she passed away peacefully with family near her at 10:35 pm on May 3, 2018.
Debra is survived by her sons, Ryan (Tyreal) Riveland, Bismarck, Blue (Kayla) Christianson, Sturgis, SD, Ridge Christianson, Fargo; grandchildren, Riece, Falicity, Anica Riveland, Bismarck, Chance Haylee (Sheri Ross) Riveland, Williston, Aubreigh Christianson, Sturgis, SD; mother, Donna Van Berkom, Powers Lake, ND; sister, Teresa (Jim) Hoff, Williston; brother, Robert Van Berkom, Williston; significant other, Brad Flaten, Williston; nieces and nephews, Desi Abernathy and her children, Dillon Abernathy and Daija Penn, Williston, Dustin Ronholdt, Williston, Michael Van Berkom, Williston; sister-in-law, Tammy Lawrence, Trenton; cousins, Cynthia &Tom Laumb, Claudia and Lyle Tande, Kathy & Mark Barenthsen, Sandy & Dean Huseby, and Tammy & Galen Moody, all of Powers Lake.
Debra was preceded in death by her infant son, Joshua Renaker; father, Robert “Bob” Van Berkom; grandparents, Mike (Emma) Van Berkom; great grandparents, Edor (Gina Signe) Grubb.