Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Gerald "Jerry" A. Christianson
Winneconne, Wisconsin
Gerald "Jerry" A. Christianson, age 75, of Winneconne, passed away at Theda Clark Medical Center in Neenah, on Sunday, August 15, 2010, from complications of kidney/bladder cancer.
He was born on August 1, 1935, to the late Arlen and Elyda (Mathison) Christianson, and raised on a farm near Allenville. Jerry attended Ball Prairie School and graduated from Winneconne High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 3 years, and earned his Master's degree from U.W.-Oshkosh. For 18 ½ years Jerry taught at Banta in Menasha, and Winneconne. After leaving teaching he was employed at Courtney & Plummer, Lunda Construction, and for over 20 years at Radtke Contractors until his retirement.
Jerry loved to fish, golf, boat, and play cards with family and friends, and keep an immaculate lawn and flowers. Jerry and Leiann loved to travel making many trips to Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, Ireland, and the United States.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Leiann (Evenson) Christianson, of Winneconne; his daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Gary Wismer, of Neenah; brother and sister-in-law, Arden and Lorraine Christianson, of Winneconne; sister, Lois Kittleson, of Cambridge, Wisconsin; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Ron Evenson, of Waupaca; Lynne and Robert Steffen, of New Berlin, Wisconsin; two aunts, June (Melvin) Gorges, of Appleton; Millie Mathison, of Winchester; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Cremation has taken place and a Private Memorial Service will be held. Inurnment will be in the Grace Lutheran Cemetery, Winchester. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday, August 18 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne.
In lieu of flowers, and the great need for kidney cancer research, donations will be made to Dr. Robert Amato's cancer research at UT Physicians in Houston, Texas; and also to Grace Lutheran Church, Omro, and Grace Lutheran Church, Winchester.
Jerry's family wishes to thank Gus and Carole Laemmrich for all of their love and support the past few years. You are the best friends anyone could have. Thanks to Gus, John Buser, and Tom Holdorf for taking Jerry to chemo and doctors appointments, and to Peggy Johnson for her support in the hospital.
The family also extends thanks to Dr. Anthony Phillips, Brenda, Lisa, Kathy, and Mary Jo at Theda Clark Oncology and Martha Siekman at Appleton Medical Center; you were Angels of Mercy! Also thank you to the nurses on 5th Floor at Theda Clark, and to the staff and volunteers of ThedaCare Hospice for their caring support in Jerry's last days.
"I will always love you sweet Jerry. You were one of a kind - I could never have found anyone better! Rest in peace finally after all of your pain and suffering. I'll see you again in heaven." Love, Leiann and your best friend Mandy.
Dad, if I had "One more Day" I would spend every minute with you. My wish would be to hear you say one more time "I got it too done" while grilling. We would go boating, sit out by the lake and watch you rest on the back of the boat on a nice calm sunny Sunday night. Dad, you were my best Buddy and Friend and I will miss you forever until we are together again. Love you with all my heart, Peggy
Jerry, you were the best father-in-law and friend and I will miss you. Love, Gary and Abby
Semper Fi!
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St. P.O. Box 250
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
jerry christenson wrote on August 21, 2010
our trips to Europe would'nt have been nearly as good if you and Leann had not been on them .God picked a real jewel when he took you.our sympathy to all the family.
Betty and Al Stracke
Midwest General Contractors and affiliates wrote on August 19, 2010
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry. He will be sorely missed and we will always keep fond memories of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Christianson Family.
Jerry Christianson wrote on August 19, 2010
Jerry has been such a dear part of so many of our lives; a well respected friend. We wish his family peace & comfort in the days ahead as they tell the good ol' stories & adjust. Great memories are worth a lot! Dick & Marti Norton
Todd Krebs wrote on August 19, 2010
My deepest condolences to Mr. Christiansons family and friends. I was so fortunate to have Mr. Christianson as a middle school teacher I still remember the weekly news quizzes and the time the paper didnt have one so he made one up for us. Later I worked with him at Radtkes during the summer. My favorite work days were the ones that I got to travel with him to a work site. But most of all, I will always remember him as a very positive, happy person. Im sure he was a positive influence on more kids than will ever be realized.
Dick S. wrote on August 18, 2010
I worked with Jerry a lifetime ago at Radtke Contractors--he was always a real gentleman-always smiling and good-natured. My sympathy to his family on their loss.
Tim and Lynn Martin wrote on August 17, 2010
Leiann,Peg and Gary: We are saddened by the news that Jerry passed away. We will always remember his warm, friendly and good-hearted nature. We hope you can find comfort in happy memories of Jerry and in the knowledge that he is no longer suffering. You're all in our prayers.
Lynn,Tim and family
Brenda Van Sambeek wrote on August 17, 2010
New patients walk into my life everyday, but you and your wife will never be forgotten. WE are so proud of you for always keeping your focus, for always, no matter how bad you felt, keeping a smile on your face.You fought a winning fight. You earned way more years than any of us thought possible. I will miss you always Jerri! Even though Corbel isn't my thing, i will drink one with a toast to you!
Ron Kaplan wrote on August 17, 2010
We'll all remember the good times spent on Lake Erie fishing with the good old boy's.Our sympathy to the family.Ron and Judie Kaplan
jerry christianson wrote on August 17, 2010
If ever their was a great teacher it was you...thank you for all the understanding you gave me..I know it wasn't easy. You were my teacher and my friend. I will miss you very very much. My thoughts and prayers to LeAnn and Peggy. Love Pam
Valerie and Allen Stabenow wrote on August 17, 2010
You and Leiann made us feel welcome, thank you. We are so glad that we were able to get to know you both. God is going to have a hard time keeping up with you Jerry and thank you for your many kindnesses to us. We know that you are in a better place and that your pain has been taken away.
Kathy Ducharme wrote on August 17, 2010
I too remember Mr. Christenson from WHS days, a great teacher. Leiann, it was great to reconnect with you at Fleet oh so many years later. Prayers to you and your family. God Bless.
jerry christenson wrote on August 17, 2010
Jerry; I remember the good ole days @ winneconne high school ,you we always there for help when needed, always a very kind man, with a big smile ,
Rest in peace Jerry
TIM HEWITT