Hugo Christiansen, Jr.

Chinook, MT

On March 23, Hugo Christiansen, Jr., 86, died in his home at The Springs at Grand Park. He was surrounded by his family, only to join those beloved family members from his past. He had lived through a long progression of symptoms caused by Alzheimer’s disease. Until last September, he was able to enjoy twice daily walks through the park adjoining the facility where he resided. Each of those walks through the park and playground was a gift he felt deeply. His great love of and appreciation for his life did not diminish even with this progressive illness. That love of life enabled him to give love to everyone who surrounded him. His friends and caregivers cherished his good natured easiness of living.

He was born in 1929 in Chinook, Montana being the first born for Hugo and Beatrice Christiansen. He grew up in Missoula, and from his early elementary school days became an enterprising newspaper delivery boy. A service which led him later in life to supply oil products to distributors in many states. He established a prosperous business, HC Oil Co. in Billings, employing over 30 people. His service to Lutheran Churches in all cities and towns he resided was a labor of love. He also enjoyed singing in church choirs, with a lovely voice he continued to share throughout his life. He was very proud of his Norwegian and German heritage and a devout Lutheran. His faith in a loving God was his greatest strength. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hugo and Beatrice Christiansen, brother, Tom Christiansen, and his sister, Marilyn Christiansen Murray.

His marriage to Jean Berger, of Fife Lake, Saskatchewan, began in December of 1949. They have been happily married for 66 years, enjoying many travels including trips to Jean’s family members in Canada. They had three children, Howard, Karen and Laurie, and had a profound dedication to his wife and children. He enjoyed camping, water sports, snow skiing, golf, two-stepping with his bride, and later in life he drove fast cars with not a lock of silver hair out of place!

He is survived by his wife, Jean Berger Christiansen, his son, Howard Christiansen of Bozeman, his daughters, Karen Christiansen of Livingston, and Laurie and Salvin Gebhard of Laurel, his grandson, Edison Gebhard and his family, and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A private celebration of life was held by the family on Saturday, March 26.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his honor can be made to Rocky Mountain Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Association..

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