Jean Christjans, 82, of Avon

Funeral Services will be held 10:30 am on Saturday March 20, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Avon, SD, burial to follow at the Baptist Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday March 19, 2026 from 5 pm to 7 pm. 

Jean was born October 12, 1943, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Nathan and Dorothy (Radack) Pritzkau. Jean passed away Sunday, March 15, 2026 at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

On February 19, 1962, Jean was united in marriage to Jim Christians. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and community.

Jean worked at Gurney Seeds in Yankton, then at the Avon Leather factory for 25 years and later served as a janitor at First Baptist Church in Avon. She was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Faith was an important part of Jean’s life. She faithfully served at First Baptist Church in Avon, where she taught Sunday School, helped with the Awana program, and played the organ for church services.

Jean was a devoted mother and grandmother who cherished her family deeply. She rarely missed her children’s school and sporting events and loved being present for the moments that mattered most. She also had a special gift for staying connected with others, often writing letters and sending cards to family and friends.

Grateful for having shared her life are her daughter, Jackie (Gordy) Salmen of Madison; her son, Jerry (Rochelle) Christians of Yankton; her cherished grandchildren, Noah Salmen of Madison, Neely Salmen of Sioux Falls, and Nathan Christians of Harrisburg; and her sister, Mary Hoferer of Yankton.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband of over 63 years, Jim Christians; her parents, Nathan and Dorothy Pritzkau; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Edith Christians; and her infant brother, Gary Pritzkau.

Jean will be remembered for her deep faith, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family. She lived a life of quiet service, always putting others before herself and finding joy in caring for those around her. Her kindness, faithful heart, and the many letters and cards she shared will continue to be cherished by all who knew and loved her.

Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely and the faith she lived by will continue to guide and inspire those whose lives she touched.