Christina Saxton (Klempke) Howard

We Celebrate the Life of Christina Saxton-Howard

Christina was born in Pigeon Falls, Wisconsin on June 16,1930. She was the first child born to her family, and she was one of the first generation of Klempkes’ born in the United States. The year following Christina’s birth a son was born, August Bernon, who died at one month of age, and was buried at Lincoln Cemetery, WI.  There were challenges in their family life, and times were hard.  Throughout her youth, several more children were born into the family including a set of twins.  Christina’s mother, Blanche, was challenged by poor health, yet she was remembered for her loving care. Christina grew up in Minneapolis and went to school, but it is unclear if she made it to high school graduation.  When she was able, she worked at the Pink Supply Company, a textile company in Minneapolis along with her sisters and other relatives.  Christina eventually got a job being a ticket seller at the Lyric Theater in Minneapolis where she met a special young man and theater manager. They fell in love, and she married John Saxton Jr. the 21st day of August 1948 at eight o’clock in the evening at St. Petri Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. She was just 18 years old, and John was 19.  John joined the Air Force, and they traveled as John developed himself, went to Army Finance School and he became a Staff Sergeant.  Their three children were born in three different states; New Mexico, Kentucky and Minnesota. The Saxtons’ settled in their first home, a rambler, in Brooklyn Center, MN in 1959.  Sadly, John died suddenly at home at 34 years of age and dear Christina lived to be 94. She raised her children and worked hard throughout her life.  She was a wonderful Mother, Grandma, friend, neighbor, caregiver and worker. She worked many years at Univac in Roseville, then after taking and completing coursework, she worked at Group Health in Brooklyn Center and her last job was a medical receptionist position at Coon Rapids, Health Partners. Christina absolutely loved holidays, and her decorations, meals and family gatherings were special and memorable.  She entered Heaven February 20, 2025 and she will be remembered with love and admiration.

Christina is the mother of: Michael Saxton (Diana), Kerry Saxton (Muriel) and Diane Lemke (Peter)

Grandmother of: Michell Ellenbaus (Brent), Teri Moore (fiancée, Luke), Misty Eytcheson (Eric), Connie Stegora (Troy), Christopher Saxton (Jody), Ben Galbrecht (fiancée Yolanse) and Mylin Lemke

Great-Grandmother to: Kirsten Moore, Payton Barrett, Zachary Stegora, Jacob Stegora, Lizzie Stegora, Kalista Vallie (Vetter), Ava Vetter, and Ella Saxton

Christina was preceded in death by her Mother: Blanche Klempke (Groetum)1955; Husband: John Saxton Jr. 1963; Father: Gustave Klempke 1970; Father-in-Law: John Saxton Sr. (1975); Mother-in-Law: Helen Minnie Saxton (1985); Brother: Gerald Klempke (Julia) 2005; Husband: Robert “Bob” Howard 2008; Sister: “Geri” Burland 2012; Brother-in-Law: Robert "Bob" Burland 2014; Daughter-in-Law: Shirley Saxton 2016; Brother: William “Bill” Klempke (Pat) 2016; Brother-in-Law: Gerald Mattson 2020; Niece: Valerie Bonnevier (Wally) 2023; and Brother: Douglas Klempke 2025.

She is survived by her Sister: Betty Mattson; Sister-in-Law: Julia Klempke; Sister-in-Law: Pat Davidson-Klempke; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Her lonely years were blessed by special friends: Donna, Vonnie and Tina.

She will be buried beside her husband, John Saxton Jr. at Fort Snelling Cemetery.

Later in life, Christina enjoyed almost ten years of marriage to Robert Howard of Coon Rapids. They enjoyed church, family and friends.  Bob was a kind man, and he shared his faith, wit and intelligence.

She will always be remembered for her love of family and children, kindness, keen spelling prowess, delicious baking & cooking, the best potato salad, her passion for flowers & yard keeping, sewing, furniture recovering, her creativity and independence, her love of coffee and her blue eyes.  Her bravery in life was a testament to many.

Historical Background:

Otto Klempke (Christina’s paternal Grandfather) was born August 9,1878 in Berlin, Germany. Bertha M. Klepel (Christina’s maternal Grandmother) was born, August 3, 1880, in Falkenburg, Bad Bederkesa, Cuxhaven, Lower Saxony, Germany. 

Ole Hansen Olsen Grotem; (Christina’s maternal Grandfather) was born June15,1853, in Norway.  Christena Anderson (Christina’s maternal Grandmother) was born, April 4, 1855. in Dane, Wisconsin. Ole Hansen Olsen immigrated to America in 1867. 

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 24, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior, at Dare's Funeral Home, 805 Main Street NW, Elk River, MN. Burial following at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dare's Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com.

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