LeeAnn Christiansen, 91, Joplin, Mo., went to her heavenly home on Thursday morning, April 9, 2020, from St. Luke’s Nursing Center, Carthage.
LeeAnn was born Nov. 5, 1928, in Okarche, Okla., to Otto Schroeder and Malinda (Ahlefeld) Schroeder. She graduated from high school in Okarche in 1946. LeeAnn married Vern Keith Wilkinson, and to this union, three children were born. She worked as a secretary in the shipping department for Schreiber Foods in Carthage for 20 years, and later for Safeway Cheese. After retiring, LeeAnn worked for Sawdust and Splinters in the Joplin Mall. She was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Carthage and attended Bible study there. LeeAnn liked to square dance and enjoyed going to the local nursing homes with friends to perform line dancing routines.
Survivors include two sons, Jeff Wilkinson (Karen), Carthage, Mo., and Lee Wilkinson, Kingfisher, Okla., and a daughter, Deidre Edwards (Bill), Joplin, Mo.; grandchildren, Jason Wilkinson (Parade), Jared Wilkinson (Anne), Jami Quesenberry (Dustin), Eric Perry (Kristen), Jennie Shih (Nathan), Jeremy Wilkinson, Justin Wilkinson and Kalee Wilkinson; 11 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; and many extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Wilburn Schroeder and
Kenneth Schroeder; and two sisters, Juanita Lemke and Dorothy Weimer.
LeeAnn will lie in state from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2020, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Private family graveside will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Cemetery, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Carthage in care of Knell Mortuary.
Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
