Gordon Eugene (Chris) Christiansen

Mr. Christiansen was born May 15, 1930, in Milaca, Minnesota, to Carl Augustus Christiansen and Susie Siegersma Christiansen, first generation Americans of Norwegian and Dutch ancestry. He grew up on the family dairy farm, and enjoyed recounting boyhood stories of milking cows early on harsh winter mornings and skiing to school.

After graduating from Milaca High School and the Minnesota School of Business, he worked in Minneapolis until his National Guard unit was activated during the Korean Conflict. He was sent to Camp Rucker in Alabama, and while there he met his future wife, Betty Smilie. They recently celebrated their 63rd anniversary.

After his honorable discharge from the service, Mr. Christiansen graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University, where he became a loyal Auburn fan. He later received a master of mechanical engineering degree from Purdue University and an MBA degree from Georgia Tech.

He began his engineering career in Decatur with Chemstrand, and after several career moves with his family to various states over the years he returned to Decatur, where he worked for Amoco Chemical until his retirement. Thereafter, he enjoyed playing tennis and golf regularly with friends. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and was actively involved in various community service and charitable organizations. He taught mathematics at Calhoun Community College and volunteered at Decatur General Hospital. He enjoyed working in his yard, spending many enjoyable hours there with Betty. He was devoted to his family and delighted in being with his children and grandchildren on their visits to Decatur. He and Betty also enjoyed traveling together with friends and family.

Mr. Christiansen was especially dedicated to his church, Central United Methodist, taking an interest in nearly all of its affairs and serving it in various leadership positions. He believed in leading by example, and when there was a job that needed to be done, day or night, he gladly did it without hesitation.

Mr. Christiansen is survived by his wife, Betty; a daughter, Debbie (Paul) Anderson, of Atlanta; a son, Jeff (Debbie) of Greensboro, N.C.; four grandchildren, Walker (Laura) Anderson, of Atlanta; Lawson (Kelsey) Anderson, of New York City; Taylor Christiansen, of Atlanta and Sarah Kate Christiansen, of Wilmington, N.C.; one great-grandson, Wills Anderson, of Atlanta; and two brothers, Charles (Rita) Christiansen, of St. Paul, Minn., and Waldo (Barb) Christiansen of Stillwater, Minn. and best friend, Gil Crane.

The family expresses its gratitude to Dr. Scott Matthews and to Hospice of North Alabama for their kindness during a difficult time. A celebration of Mr. Christiansen’s life will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 at Central United Methodist Church. The visitation will be at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow the service at Roselawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Lloyd Nix, Malcolm Prewitt, James Smithson, Bill Stone, John Woller and Tom Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Mr. Christiansen’s Bible study groups and also his golf friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church or to a charity of your choice.