John O. Christiansen

John was born to John Christiansen and Alva Hemming on October 7, 1934 on the family farm in Cloverdale, MN. John grew up on the farm with his older brother Lee and younger sister Linda.

John attended a one room schoolhouse in Cloverdale through seventh grade and then graduated in 1952 from Hinckley High School. At age 20 John enlisted in the Air Force and was trained as a radio repairman. He was stationed overseas in Italy and was honorably discharged in April of 1958.

He met Alice Catherine Kunz at a local dance hall named Happy’s in his hometown and they were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Hinckley on October 7, 1961. He went on to enjoy 61 years of marriage and welcomed two sons Michael and David and a daughter Karen in Hugo where they built their home in 1967.

John began his career of 38 years working for the United States Postal Service where he worked until he retired.

John spent much of his free time with family on his land in Cloverdale just west of his childhood home. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling and hunting and loved the great outdoors.

John Olaf Christiansen was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny & Alva; brother, Lee and sister-in-law, Leona and brother-in-law, Wally Summerland. He is survived by his wife, Alice; sons, Michael (Julie) and David; daughter, Karen (David) Fontaine; and grandkids, Kayla, Rowan (Krys), Ryan, Erin, Isabella, and sister, Linda Summerland.

The family will greet friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 5, 2023 at Mattson Funeral Home, 343 North Shore Drive, Forest Lake; with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.

Private interment will be held at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Hugo, Minnesota.