Marian Christiansen

MARIAN LOUISE ELLSTROM "COOKIE" CHRISTIANSEN

Iowa City

Cookie was born the third child of James and Grace Ellstrom in Chicago, Ill., on Feb. 23, 1933. She moved to Fort Dodge, Iowa, in 1936. She attended Butler Elementary and Fort Dodge Senior High School where she graduated in 1951. Cookie and Dean got married June 5, 1954, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge.

In 1969, the Christiansen family moved to Iowa City. Cookie got a job at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. She then worked for the Johnson County Sheriff's Department. Sheriff Gary Hughes deputized Cookie and she became the first female deputy in Johnson County. She worked primarily in the Civil Department, but occasionally she would serve as matron to the female prisoners.

In 1995, she retired from the sheriff's office. When Cookie retired, she stayed busy and didn't really quit work. Cookie worked at Pearson, where she helped with seasonal work. She also was employed for the 2000 Census Bureau and worked most of the elections at her precinct.

She kept busy and productive her whole life and loved to serve others. Cookie was truly a unique person. She loved life, her family and friends. She was always available to lend a helping hand to whoever needed it.

She went to be with the Lord Aug. 3, 2015. We know she is in heaven and safe and happy with Jesus.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Dean Christiansen; and her brother, Jamie Ellstrom.

She is survived by her two sisters, Betty Harbutte and Sandy Percich; her son, David, his wife, Marcia, and their two children, Isaac and Netana; her daughter, Linda; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at The Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Ave., Iowa City, on Saturday, Sept. 19, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation starts at 10 a.m. and a light lunch will be served immediately following the service.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lensingfuneral.com.