RICHARD L. CHRISTIANSEN
August 11, 1933 – January 20, 2013


Published/Last Modified on Thursday, January 24, 2013 11:28 AM MST


Richard L. Christiansen passed away on January 20, 2013 at University Medical Center in Tucson after complications from a tough battle with lymphoma. He was the younger son of Felix and Ada Christiansen, born on August 11, 1933 in Douglas, Arizona. Mr. Christiansen grew up on the family ranch in Paul Spur and graduated from Douglas High in 1951. Upon graduation from the University of Arizona and ROTC, he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Friedberg, Germany. While there, he met and married the love of his life, H. Ursula Rockel.


Richard and Ursula were best friends and inseparable partners for 55 years of marriage. Upon returning to the U.S. they made their home and ranched near Douglas, where they raised their own children, while also being adopted “parents” and “grandparents” to several cherished friends from around the world.

Richard was employed as a chemist at Phelps Dodge Copper Smelter until his retirement. He was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church in Douglas, serving the congregation in many capacities. He was appointed to the first Cochise County Merit Commission and was a Board Member of the Forrest School District for many years. He loved music and had a beautiful voice. He was dedicated to God, his family, his ranch, and to living a life of quiet service and uncompromising integrity. He was deeply loved and respected by his family as the best of husbands and the greatest of dads and granddads.

He is survived by his wife, Ursula, his children, Peggy, Birgit and David and their spouses, J.D., Greg and Nancy respectively; grandchildren Dustin and Kyle Sandell; Sofie (Andrew) Parker, Matthew and Will Christiansen; great-grandson , Felix; his brother, James (Jean); and several cousins, nephews a niece, and many loving friends.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 26, at 1:30p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Douglas followed by interment of ashes at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion & VFW.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his honor to First Presbyterian Church in Douglas or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Brown Page Mortuary is in charge of arrangements, 364-3434.

 

Copyright © 2013 Douglas Dispatch

Comments

    Brian Voigt wrote on Feb 23, 2013 1:34 PM:

    " My condolences Birgit to you and your family on the death of your father. "

    Helen Christine Bloomquist wrote on Feb 7, 2013 6:45 AM:

    " I remember my brother mentioning Richard a lot. All in my family live elsewhere now. Sincere condolences from the Bloomquist clan in Maryland, east Texas, Sierra Vista, Tucson, Phoenix, and Flagstaff. "

    RayFerny Sanchez wrote on Jan 27, 2013 10:38 PM:

    " May you rest in peace. "

    W. Lynn Hunt wrote on Jan 26, 2013 2:26 PM:

    " A comment to say that I wish that life had provided me the chance to know and exchange experiences with Richard Christiansen and his family, since we had much in common--DHS graduates,UA- ROTC graduates, and stationed in Germany (my tour = 1954 to 1957 in Munich), and also meeting our partners-in-life while in Germany. It has been a big positive for me to know his older brother, James, who is a wonderful friend. May I express sincere condolences to Ursula, Richard's family, and James. The notice of this memorial was received timewise exactly
    as the memorial is supposed to have been taking place, which definitely compelled me to write this comment. "

Write a Comment

Comment posters are responsible for the opinions they express and the accuracy of the information they provide. We urge comment writers to treat this as a public forum where manners matter. We encourage a collegial, non-insulting tone. All readers comments must be approved by our staff before posting to the Web site. They review submitted comments periodically during the day for offensive or off-topic content before posting. Be aware, in accordance with the Communications Decency Act and provisions upheld in judicial appeal, that you are responsible for comments posted on this Web site. The Douglas Dispatch is not liable for messages from third parties.

DO NOT POST:
* Potentially libelous statements or damaging innuendo.
* Obscene, explicit, or racist language.
* Personal attacks, insults or threats.
* The use of another person's real name to disguise your identity.
* Comments unrelated to the story.
* Personal Information (phone numbers, addresses, etc.)

Opinions, advice and all other information expressed in douglasdispatch.com's reader comments represent the individual's own views and not necessarily those of the Douglas Dispatch. The Douglas Dispatch does not endorse and is not responsible for statements, advice or opinions offered by anyone other than authorized Douglas Dispatch spokespersons.

Your thoughtful contribution to the online discussion is appreciated.

(optional)
   









Contact Us

Email the Editor
530 11th Street
Douglas, AZ 85607
tel: 520.364.3424
fax: 520.364.6750
Subscribe Online
Place A Classified