Zelda Delores Christian, age 91, was peacefully called to her eternal resting place on February 3, 2025, at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, MN. Zelda, the daughter of George and Francis (Losey) Sickler, was born on August 18, 1933, in Elm Creek Township, MN. She graduated from Sherburn High School in 1951. On September 20, 1953, Zelda was united in marriage to James Christian at the Army Chapel in Fort Riley, Kansas. To this marriage, four children were born: Lynn, Robert, Jeffrey, and Terza; the couple later divorced. In June of 2000, Zelda retired from the U.S. Customs, Department of the Treasury where she worked for 35+ years as a Customs Entry Officer. She also enjoyed working security for U.S. Customs at the MSP International Airport.
Zelda is survived by her children, Lynn Sandstrom and life partner, Joe Rohr of Cannon Falls, Bob (Anne) Christian of Excelsior, Jeff Christian and life partner, Roxanne Singh of Mora, and Terza Kurki of NE Minneapolis; seven grandchildren, Raychel (Jose) Koehler of New Richmond, WI, Aaron Sandstrom of Maplewood, Naomi Christian of Minneapolis, Matthew (Alyssa) Kurki of Lake Elsinore, CA, Nathaniel (Betsy) Christian of St. Bonifacius, Zachary (Alicia) Kurki of Lakeville, and Jenna (Evan) Garcia of Rochester; 15 great grandchildren, Andrew, Lucas S., Emily, Joey, Gabe, Nina, Carter, Kinley, Jonah, Kourtney, Ezra, Logan, Kylie, Aubrey, and Lucas G.; six great, great grandchildren; sister, Terri (Greg) Envey of Sarasota, FL; brother-in-law, Ralph Gunderson of Kensington; sons-in-law, Michael Sandstrom of Maplewood, and Loren Kurki of Rochester; many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother George Sickler, sisters DeElda Rose and Georgene Gunderson, grandson Adam Kurki, brother-in-law, Elder Rose, sister-in-law Virginia (George) Sickler.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 5th at the Pavilion on Lake Elmo from 11-3pm. If you have any memories or photos to share, please forward to terzakurki@gmail.com by March 22nd.
To the Christian family…Zelda was a very nice neighbor to me and sure enjoyed her love for flowers. She will be missed.My thoughts and prayers go out to all of You
As being her Birthday buddy for exactly 45 years to the day. I am glad the time I was able to share with her were memorable and memories that were possible because I overcame my fears. I over came my anger and hurt. And we just shared our love and connection. It was all a misunderstanding. However the time I spent with her was unforgettable and I will carry those memories with me forever.Gram did the best she could with that in which she had. We are not perfect however we strive for it no matter the tasks. I just wish I could have helped her more.
For Zelda’s Family, I always enjoyed working with her at the old Humphrey Terminal on those evening international flights. She was always happy and a great co-worker with us. We will all miss her.
Dave O. Retired U.S. Customs