Howard Eugene Christiansen

Howard Eugene Christiansen was born on April 28, 1944, in Omaha, Nebraska to John and Elsie (Steeden) Christiansen. He grew up alongside his 14 siblings and graduated from Elkhorn High School. Howard married Judy Christiansen on May 2, 1964, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, NE. They were blessed with two children: Jeffrey Allen and Cynthia Lynn. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise with Rick and Pat Christmas and for their 50th anniversary, they celebrated with family. Howard began working while still in high school for the Klebe Wojcik Standard Station. From 1966 until 1970 he and his brother Wilber became co-owners of the station and changed the name to Christiansen Standard Station. Between 1971 and 1984 he farmed with his brothers, Kenny and Larry. In 1985 through 1998 he owned the Christiansen 66 Station in Elkhorn. After leaving the service station business, he went to Wisconsin to help build Pheasant Hill Golf Course in Hammond, WI for Ron Bonte. When he returned home from Wisconsin, he went to work for his nephew, John Christiansen at Christiansen Shaping and Grading. His next and last job was working for M K Car Wash in Elkhorn where owners Mickey Gottsch and Jeff Mueller pretty much let Howard set his own hours. Howard loved this job and didn’t think of Jeff and Mickey as bosses, but rather as great friends. Howard loved the horse races and spent lots of time at the Ak-Sar-Ben racetrack where his sister Dorothy worked. He continued to follow the horses with trips to the Grand Island Racetrack and Horseman’s Park. But most of all, Howard enjoyed spending time with his family and traveling. His favorite destination was Las Vegas and his first trip there was with best friends Slim and Betty O’Dell. After that first trip it became an annual trip. He also loved annual family vacations with the O’Dell family – 1996 was the beginning of annual “mystery” trips with Rick and Pat Christmas and Lonnie and Shirley Heldt. For 17 years we went on a trip to a different location every year. Those 17 years of trips with wonderful friends provided so many laughs and good times and so many wonderful memories. Of course, spending time with his family which includes 4 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren was the highlight of his life. He loved wrestling, chasing, playing games, helping build Legos and anything else they wanted to do with him. Birthday celebrations, as well as all holidays, were spent together. Howard loved his family, and they loved him. Howard will be remembered for his sense of humor and his kindness to all. Howard passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, at Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 79. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elsie Christiansen; an infant sibling; brothers, Rudy and Wilbur Christiansen; and sisters, Donna Green, Dorothy Oetken, and Kathy Huscroft. He is survived by his wife, Judy Christiansen; son, Jeff (Cricket) Christiansen; daughter, Cindy Christiansen; grandchildren, Casey (Bret) Sledge, Lacey Nuzum, Kyra Christiansen (Derrick Flores), and Cody Christiansen; great-grandchildren, Lincoln, Maclyn, Lane, Cameron, Shayla, Paisley, and Louie; brothers, Kenny (Caryn) Christiansen, Larry (Deb) Christiansen, and Robert (Teresa) Christiansen; sisters, Mildred Richards, Joan Johnson, Marie Witt, Beverly (Dwain) Smith, Linda (Dennis) Lynch, and Lois Haldeman; brother-in-law, Joe Huscroft; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Christiansen and Dee Christiansen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Howard Eugene Christiansen

April 28, 1944 - November 25, 2023