He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
Kenneth "Ken" Christiansen was 100 percent Norwegian! With his parents immigrating for Norway, mom, Annie, from Tromso, and dad, John, from Oslo. Annie brought the boat all the way, but John had to take a little one mile swim, off the boat, in the water, to the shores of the good ol’ USA. They were strong and determined from the get go.
This seemed to have given Ken the stamina and character he has always had. Ken has always been a hard worker and good with math.
In his younger days he was involved with one of his grandkids as an assistant baseball coach and helped with the school programs.
In the mid-part of his life he had become quite a selfless man. He was very, very giving to many Charities.
Ken was able to help his family when in need. He did a lot for the community of Fridley. In 2003 he went door-knocking for a bond to keep Spring Brook Nature Center going and did his part without any recognition. Even at the age of 87, he went door-knocking to keep Unity Hospital a complete operating hospital.
Up until his 90th birthday he was salmon fishing on Lake Michigan, a pretty tough lake to fish on. He guided young family members in hunting and fishing and it was a known fact it wasn’t the easiest way of camping in the beginning (decades ago) when he introduced family members into the sport.
Looking back you could see the selflessness of him really shine. When the love of his life got sick, her last three years were pretty rough; before the good Lord brought her home. During that time you never before saw such compassion from Ken. He was beside, behind, and around her every step of the day and throughout the night during his wife’s last three years.
Yes, a man of honor and compassion, just a little bit about one special Norwegian. Lots of love, sometimes hard to notice unless you looked hard or felt it.
He was preceded in death by wife, Patricia; mother, Annie; father, John; brothers, Joseph and Richard; sisters, Hazel, Hennie, and Vernette; children, Greg and Debbie; and grandson, Teddy.
Survived by children, Cindy, Jon, and Suzanne, Vickie, Jeff, Shelly, and Annie; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters, Bea and Verna; and nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Joint burial services will be at a later date for the immediate family.
Condolence cards may be sent in lieu of flowers to Ken Christiansen family at 7525 4th St NE, Fridley, MN 55342.
Thank you all for your thoughts and blessings.
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