Christ Markusen was born in Goodhue County, Minnesota on May 19, 1869. He grew up in the area and married Marie Bergum on June 6, 1901. They settled in Bemidji by 1905.
Markusen formed a partnership with Knute Roe and opened their grocery establishment at 207 Fourth Street on Nov 1, 1905. The business named Roe & Markusen grew solidly and were written up in 1909 in the Bemidji Pioneer Souvenir edition. Their business was reputed to be the largest single-line grocery in Beltrami County in 1909.
Christ Markusen passed the 39th mile stone of his earthly career in 1908. A number of his friends became cognizant of the fact that Tuesday was the anniversary of his birthday and planned a surprise for “Christ.” Tuesday evening a crowd of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Markusen visited the Markusen home, where, after rapping on the door and being greeted by the host of the house they literally took possession of the place and proceeded to have a right royal good time. On behalf of the assembled guests, Christ Heieren presented Mr. Markusen with a handsome willow rocker as a token of the esteem in which he is held by those present. Mr. Markusen responded feelingly. The evening was spent with playing games and refreshments were served. (Bemidji Pioneer, May 21, 1908)
Markusen and Knute Roe sold the business to Scott Stewart, their chief clerk, on Nov 30, 1914. Markusen then went to work in the new grocery department of the Troppman department store. The business was conducted on a strictly cash basis. He resigned his position with the Troppman department store in September 1917. They sold their home at 1111 Bemidji Avenue to J. P. Lahr the same month. He and his wife planned to spend the winter in California. However, Mrs. Markusen died in Denver, Colorado on Dec 11, 1917. Her husband took her west in the fall in the hopes of helping her health. Her body was returned to Kenyon, her old home, for burial.
Christ Markusen then moved to California and married Beulah Blaine in 1920. He died at Riverside, California on January 5, 1951.