Christiansen, Dean L.

Dean L. Christiansen, 84, died peacefully Thursday, May 17, 2012, at Mercy Hospice. Memorial Services, with military honors, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19, at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, with the Rev. Sherry Lohman officiating. The family will greet friends after noon Saturday. A reception at The Kirkwood Room will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa City Hospice.

Dean was born July 5, 1927, in Waterloo, the son of Harry and Wilda (Cowell) Christiansen. He was a graduate of Iowa State Teachers College (UNI) and had served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. On June 5, 1954, Dean married Marian “Cookie” Ellstrom in Fort Dodge.

Dean taught physics for 20 years at West Branch High School, where he was the athletic director and coached football and track. He retired in 1988. Before that Dean taught in Fort Dodge for 19 years.

He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church and American Legion Post 17. He enjoyed golfing and was an avid supporter Iowa Hawkeye sports, the Chicago Cubs and Bears.

Dean is survived by his wife, Cookie; their two children, David (Marcia) Christiansen of Anaheim, Calif., and Linda Christiansen of Marion; two grandchildren, Isaac and Netana; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Marlys Bagley.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lensingfuneral.com

Published May 18, 2012 in The Gazette