Obituary of James Christiansen

James “Christy” Christiansen lost his brief battle with cancer on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. In the month since his diagnosis, he spent his time mostly at N.C. Little Hospice in Edina. He was continuously visited by friends, family and loved ones during this time. Surrounded by his three sons, he left this world knowing he was loved.

Born on May 15, 1938, in Rutledge, Minn., to James and Magdeline Christiansen, Christy was raised and lived most of his life in Austin. Christy enjoyed many outdoor activities — hunting, fishing, golf, softball, broomball — many located near the old Ramsey Dam. He could build or fix just about anything, a true artist. Just over five years ago, Christy and Janny moved to Buffalo, Minn., to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Christy leaves behind his wife, Janice (Baldner) Christiansen, to whom he was married for nearly 60 years; sons, Joel (Rhonda), Kent (Tina), and Dean (Nancy); daughter, Sarah (Chad) Hague; grandchildren, Samuel, William, Mia, Christian and Braeden; brother, Gary; sister, Pam (Dan) Christiansen-Notto; and many sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, as well as in-laws, aunts, uncles, grandparents and the many pets he loved throughout his life.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service Friday, Nov. 16, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Lake, Minn. His funeral will be at 11 a.m., with a luncheon immediately following.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations in Christy’s name to either NC Little Hospice (https://littlehospice.org/#donations) or Gideon the Comfort Dog (www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/give-lcc-k-9.html).