Gerald E. Christiansen

Gerald E. Christiansen passed peacefully among family on September 14, 2024 at the age of 98. He is survived by his wife, Dixie Christiansen; children, Jody Christiansen, Julie West (Brent Isenberger), and Kirk Christiansen; grandchildren, Sarah West and Katy Wells (Devin Wells); and great-grandchildren, Lennan and Remy Wells.

Gerald was born in 1926 to Barney and Bessie Viola (Parisho) Christiansen. Gerald, or “Chris,” as he was known in the printing industry, grew up in Des Moines, IA in the late ‘20s and ‘30s. He followed in the adventurous footsteps of his father, who was an inventor and mechanic who fled Norway to live in the U.S. at age 19 and eventually owned and operated an auto mechanic garage in Highland Park in Des Moines. Gerald helped around the garage, occasionally behind the wheel of a tow truck (a bit prematurely for his age, which the fire department discouraged by suggesting to his father he take the alley way). He was often found on ice skates, which he enjoyed using as his transportation to school down Four Mile Creek.

Gerald proudly served in the Navy during World War II from 1944 to 1946 as a Gunner’s Mate. He was honorably discharged with the American Area Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and Victory Medal. Following his service, Gerald returned to the printing industry, where he had apprenticed prior to joining the Navy, and soon became owner of several printing companies. He is known to have perfected the art of 4-color printing on a 1-color press, a feat deemed nearly impossible at the time. He later went into Sales and held a successful tenure of the second half of his career until he retired at age 70 in 1996. He was also an avid union leader, a source of great pride in his life.

Gerald married the love of his life, Dixie Wells, in 1955. They met as Dixie’s sister, Jane, was married to Gerald’s childhood friend, Russ Mentzer. The two couples enjoyed traveling together and their families remained close. Gerald and Dixie had three children, Jody, Julie and Kirk. Dixie supported Gerald as bookkeeper of his businesses and financial planner of the home, was a true companion to him in their 69 years of marriage, and remained the most steadfast presence and counsel at his side as he aged in his final years.

Beyond his endearing personality traits, Gerald was known for his many passions and skills. It is believed that he owned about 80 cars in his lifetime – and he marked the reference of time by the car he was driving in a given year. His Lancer receives the record of most often notably mentioned: “That was a good car.” An active early member of the Antique Automobile Cars of America, he and Dixie enjoyed driving tours in his midnight blue ’69 Pontiac Firebird convertible, and his granddaughters were enamored with his participation in local parades.

Gerald’s carpentry skills bloomed in his retirement, though he set them to work early on as he built his and Dixie’s first home. His beautiful, cleverly crafted furniture can be found lovingly utilized in the homes of his family and friends.

Gerald was active in the church and participated in men’s bible studies for many years. He was the source of great joy and loving advice, a kind, gentle-hearted fellow that everyone who knew him will forever adore.

A visitation will be held at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, 511 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA on Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral at 11:00 AM. A light lunch will be served after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude’s Hospital or Capitol Hill Lutheran Church in Gerald’s memory.