"Dear Lorraine, Mark, Gary, Craig, Ruth & families, My Dad had a great deal of respect for Norman and always appreciated his concern for others and his service to many. We're so sorry for your loss and hope that the love and kindness he showed to others will come back to you all ten-fold. May you be comforted to know many are thinking of you during this difficult time. "
In loving memory of
Norman Edgar Christiansen
September 30, 1929 - April 2, 2023
Norman Edgar Christiansen was born September 30, 1929 the son of the late Max and Laura (Koch) Christiansen on the family farm in Hanover township, Crawford County, IA. He died peacefully, surrounded by family at Crawford County Memorial Hospital on Palm Sunday, April 2, 2023. Preceding him in death were his parents, son Roger in infancy, sister Ruth and husband Bill Hutchison, brother Robert and wife Minnie, and sister-in-law Jackie Christiansen.
Norman was baptized on October 27, 1929 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, Iowa. On April 18, 1943 he was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. John's Charter Oak. After graduating from Charter Oak High School in 1947, he worked for different farmers in the area until July, 1951 when he enlisted in the US Air Force.
He was united in marriage to Lorraine Smith on December 26, 1951 at the Methodist Church in Irwin, IA. Shortly after they made their home at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, until he was honorably discharged in July, 1955. They then made their home on a farm near Charter Oak, moving to the home farm in 1963. Norman and Lorraine retired from farming in 1980, moving to Charter Oak and then to Denison in 1993 joining Zion Lutheran Church.
Norman was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church, holding several offices on the Church Council. He was also a member of the American Legion. Norman enjoyed traveling with Lorraine to numerous places, including: The Holy Land, Denmark, Germany, Alaska, California and Colorado to name a few and spent many winters in Arizona enjoying the warmer weather and family that lives there. He was very active in his church, was on a bowling league, played many card games and his greatest joy was spending time with his family. He often said how very blessed he was.
Survived by wife Lorraine of 71 years, son Mark (Cindy) of Billings, MT and their children Neil & Drew, son Gary (Karen) of Denison, IA and their children Brenda & Jill, son Craig (Audrey) of Scottsdale, AZ and Audrey's children Ricardo & Alysia, daughter Ruth (Brad) Peppers of Phoenix, AZ and their children Tara & Trisha, 19 great grandchildren, brother Franklin of Arvada, CO and many relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2023 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment with Military Honors will be in Crawford Heights Memory Gardens in Denison.
Memorials may be directed to Our Savior Lutheran Church for the Lutheran Education in Denison. Livestreaming of Norman's funeral will be available on Our Savior Lutheran Church's Facebook Page and YouTube.
Tributes
"I will always remember photographing Norman and Lorraine for their anniversary. So kind and the two were such a special couple! The way they looked at one another was a marriage blessed by God! My deepest sympathy to Lorraine and family. May God wrap you in his tender loving care and give you strength . I know God welcomed Norman with wide open arms! "
"God?s comfort to Lorraine, Mark, Gary, Craig, Ruth & families - Norman was such a good man and genuinely always had a kind word - I always enjoyed conversation with him & Lorraine when our paths crossed - he is certainly in the presence of his Lord ??"
"I was fortunate to grow up in a strong Christian family, and I treasure the upbringing and great times we had together. I admire Norman?s lifelong devotion to his faith and remember when he gave me the Ten Commandments lapel pin. I wear it with pride, and countless people have asked me about it. I also remember my older brothers enjoyed pulling me in a little red wagon around our farm yard, with their favorite part being when it tipped over with me in it! But I think I have forgiven them! One of my favorite memories with Norman is when Tanner was a little boy and he showed him the family farm and took him on a tractor ride. Having faith and family as our cornerstone and keeping the family farm over the generations is a true gift. Love Frank (and family)"
"I remember cutting tons of fabric for Lorraine when working at Ben Franklin. Norman was such a pleasant man. Always made conversation with me while I cut the fabric, and when he would see me ariunf town.God gained a good one. Sympathy to you all!"
"We pray God's comfort for Lorraine and all of their children, grandchildren and greats. Norman is spending his first Easter with Jesus, in God's heaven! Renee and Butch Miller"
" So sorry to hear of Norm's passing! We pray God will ease your pain and bring comfort. Leah & Terry Vogt"
"So sorry to hear about your Dad Gary. Our prayers are with you and your Family. Bill and Hope"