The Stairwell News by Susanne Crane

Susanne Crane is an artist/educator currently working on a local restoration project in the historic district.

Long time local chiropractor, hockey medic and father of five Dr. Michael Christian has left the building.

Dr. Christian graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in 1965. He came to Albert Lea in the mid-60s (’65 or ’66, according to my sources) and moved into a space on the 200 block of Clark Street. There he set up his practice, where he had room to work on redesigning motorcycles in the back. This was one of many things he was ingenious at. He was also a talented carpenter, according to friends and family.

Dr. Christian worked as a chiropractor for just over 51 years here in Albert Lea, before retiring for medical reasons in mid-December. His wife, Mary Ann, who was active in the choir of First Lutheran Church, assisted in the office management of his practice until her stroke several years ago. He has taken care of her at home since that time.

Roy Nystrom, who has known Dr. Christian for over 40 years, told me they met playing softball. According to Roy, “Mike was a hockey trainer for the team for some 20-25 years. He went on all the road trips, and did it all out of the goodness of his heart. He helped me out tremendously. We became very close friends. We didn’t see him as much after Mary Ann had her stroke. That was tough on him. My wife (Jan) prepared food for them often, especially on holidays. The Hockey Booster Club honored Mike for his dedication volunteering all those years.”

When I arrived, Dr. Christian had been in the Bessesen Building for around 30 years. I discovered him to be gruff at times, generous, ethical and an overall amazing friend. He has helped me significantly during tough times. He feels more like a relative to me now.

His children have all moved to warmer regions. Deb and Becky are in Georgia, Jude lives in Florida, and Pete and Jon live in Texas. Throughout the years they have inspired various road trips south.

“Mike was incredibly generous,” said Dr. John Peterson, a good friend of Mike’s. “I came here in 1988 and Mike was so laid back, he would just leave to visit his kids for three weeks and tell all his patients — go see Peterson.”

Dr. Peterson also stressed how talented Dr. Christian was at his job.

“He was a very skilled chiropractor, a very skilled adjuster. He was my chiropractor.”

Dr. Christian brought in an interesting cast of characters, some patients, many old friends, every one of them hurrying back to his office for his special ability to assist or relieve what ails them. He has been a true healer and friend among us. We will all miss him here at the building.

His unique personality and skill set made him invaluable. There’s really no one else like him.

Dr. Christian will be moving to Georgia to be closer to family. We wish him well.