Christine Lillian Nilsen, 61, passed away on Monday, November 2, 2026. 

Christine was born on May 14, 1965, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Norwegian immigrant parents Otto and Lillian Nilsen. She attended Sheltering Arms Preschool and Elementary School before her family moved to Bloomington, Minnesota, where she continued her education through middle school and high school. 

Christine enjoyed a life filled with activities, adventures, and special experiences. She loved attending camp and traveling with her family. Over the years, she enjoyed many trips through Venture Travels, visiting places such as Branson, Nashville, and Walnut Creek. One particularly meaningful adventure was traveling overseas to Norway with her family to visit relatives and connect with her Norwegian roots. Swimming was one of Christine's many talents. In 1979, she competed in the butterfly stroke at the Special Olympics World Games, an accomplishment that was a source of pride for her and her family. She also enjoyed taking dance lessons and participated in programs at PossAbilities during her later years. 

Some of Christine's happiest memories were made at her parents' lake place in Isanti, Minnesota, where she enjoyed fishing, swimming, and spending time with family. Whether she was traveling somewhere new or enjoying familiar surroundings, Christine embraced the experiences and opportunities that came her way. 

Christine is survived by her brother, Carl (Sharol) Nilsen; sisters, Lisbeth Nilsen and Dee-Donelle Bultje; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Otto and Lillian. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 15, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th Street SE, Rochester, Minnesota. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until time of the service. 

Burial will take place at Long Lake Community Cemetery in Isanti, Minnesota. 

To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com