Wilbur Christiansen

Wilbur Leroy Christiansen was born March 12, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska to John J. and Elsie M. (Steeden) Christiansen. Wilbur lived in both Papillion and Elkhorn, Nebraska while growing up. He attended the Prairie Queen grade school in Papillion and went on to graduate from Elkhorn High School in 1955. As a young boy, Wilbur kept active with his 4-H club and the FFA (Future Farmers of America). Wilbur was a hard worker and drove trucks for several years. He worked at the rock quarry before becoming co-owner of the Christiansen Standard Station. He drove for Walnut Grove, worked for Keystone Automotive, and helped at O’Dell Sod. Wilbur was especially proud of his 20 plus years safe driving award. Wilbur married Damaris “Dee” Wollen on May 10, 1980 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn. In addition to being the proud father of Rebecca, Russell, Ranae, Rachelle and Rae Dee, he was now the step father of Danny, Mark, Tammy and Tina. Wilbur and Dee made their home in Elk City ever since. Wilbur was a man of many hobbies. He enjoyed tending his garden, watching the horse races, golfing, playing cards, air boating, playing pool, and eating at Farmer Brown’s. He was a fun person, who was always the life of the party. He was always telling jokes, and loved to tease his sisters. He was happiest when he could spend time outdoors or with his dog, Toby, and he loved to dance. Nothing meant more to him than his wife, children, and grandchildren. Wilbur passed away at his home on March 12, 2008, his 70th birthday, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Elsie, brother Rudy, sister Donna, step daughter Tammy, son Russell, grandson Stetson, and step grandsons Wesley and Charlie. Wilbur is survived by his wife Damaris “Dee”; daughters and sons-in-law: Rebecca and Jim Bozzo of Attleboro, MA, Ranae and Cliff Pilkington of Grand Island, NE, Rachelle and Rod O’Dell of Elkhorn, and Rae Dee and Don Nelson of Omaha; step-children: Danny and Mary Thompson of Olathe, KS, Mark Thompson of Elk City, NE, and Tina and Mark Johnson of Omaha; siblings: Dorothy Oetken of Hot Springs, AR, Millie Richards of Valley, NE, Kathy and Joe Huscroft of Papillion, NE, Joan Johnson of Valley, NE, Marie and Rick Witt of Elkhorn, Howard and Judy Christiansen of Elkhorn, Kenny and Caryn Christiansen of Kansas City, MO, Larry and Deb Christiansen of Deerfield, KS, Bobby and Teresa Christiansen of Mesa, AZ, Beverly and Duane Smith of Chino, CA, Linda and Dennis Lynch of Fremont, NE, and Lois Haldeman of Omaha; 19 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.