Melinda “Pookie” (Whittaker) Christianson

Melinda “Pookie” (Whittaker) Christianson, 72, beloved wife of Frank Christianson Jr. of Lake Tomahawk, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 20, 2025 after losing a 10-year battle to Alzheimer’s.

Melinda was born in Duluth, Minn. on July 9, 1952, the daughter of Kenneth Edwin and Sylvia Harriet (Novack) Whittaker. She grew up in Lake Tomahawk and went to Rhinelander High School.

Melinda was co-founder of Northwoods Mounted Search and Rescue Team. She worked at Howard Young Medical Center and Dr. Kate’s Nursing Home for 25 years as a dietary manager.

She and Frank went on to own and operate the Jackson Minnesota KOA Campground for 19 years where they met many lifelong friends. After selling the campground, they continued camping and traveling across the U.S. 

Melinda had a passion for all animals, taking in countless rescues. She also loved to dance, camp, and ride her horses. She even owned her own Harley Davidson and enjoyed riding with Frank.

“Pookie” is survived by her loving husband Frank Christianson Jr., her brother Michael Whittaker of Oconomowoc, sister Paula Whittaker of Kenosha, sisters-in-law Gayle Whittaker of Oconomowoc, Jenny Christianson Swinford and Linda Christianson Proft of Merrill, Sue Christianson of Antigo,  and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, with a special place in her heart for her nephew Todd Whittaker and his wife Keri for all their unending support and generosity during her battle with Alzheimer’s.

She is now reunited with those who passed before her; her son Greggie Kuckkahn, father Kenneth Whittaker and mother Sylvia (Novack) Whittaker, brother Ed Whittaker, niece Mandy Whittaker, father-in-law and mother-in-law Frank and Irene Christianson.

There will be a celebration of life for Melinda in Jackson Minn. at the American Legion on Sunday June 15 and also in Lake Tomahawk at the Raymond F. Sloan Community Center on Saturday July 19.

In lieu of flowers please consider a charitable donation to ProHealth AngelsGrace Hospice, Oconomowoc  who lovingly supported Melinda and her family.