Richard Christiansen

Probate Judge Richard M. Christiansen, 73 of Mansfield died Saturday November 10, 2001 at Med Central hospital following a brief illness. Judge Christansen was born August 21, 1928 in Cudahy, Wisconsin living in Mansfield most of his life. He graduated from Madison Senior High School in 1946, Ohio State University, Phi Beta Kappa, and Ohio State University Law School in 1951. He was a lieutenant J.G. in the United States Navy stationed aboard the U.S.S. Monterrey aircraft carrier in Pensacola, Florida. Judge Christiansen also taught Naval Law at the U.S. Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He served as Mansfield City Solicitor from 1958 to 1960 where he was voted 'Outstanding Young Man of the Year.' From 1960 to 1972 he was elected to the Ohio State House of Representatives where he was prestigiously honored with the vote as 'Outstanding Freshman Legislator' by his fellow representatives and served Richland County for twelve years. In 1973 He was elected Richland County Probate Judge where he served until his death. Judge Christiansen was President of the Ohio Association of Probate Judges from 1982 to 1984. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mansfield.

Surviving is his wife Helene H. Christiansen of Mansfield; a son and daughter in law, Jody and Anna Lee Christiansen of Powell, Ohio; two granddaughters, Morgan and Madison Christiansen both of Powell, Ohio; one granddaughter and her husband Kelly Anne and Chandler Cicloani of Mansfield. Also surviving are three great grandchildren; Cameron, Taylor and Madelyn of Mansfield, and numerous nieces and nephews and good friends. He was preceded in death by his mother Elsie Christiansen; his father and step-mother Ejner and Alice Christiansen; two sisters, Elaine Bishop of Bellville, Ohio and Shirley Cleckner of Mentor, Ohio.

Friends may call at the Diamond Street home of Wappner Funeral Directors Monday evening from 6-8 P.M. November 12, 2001. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in care of the donors choice.