Richard "Chris" Christiansen

Richard (Chris) Guy Christiansen, age 71, a resident of Little Falls, MN passed away Aug. 13, 2014 at Little Falls Care Center.
Chris was born Sept. 22, 1942 to Guy and Lillian (Shaleen) Christiansen in Eagle Bend, MN.He was raised by his parents Guy and Pauline (Stimson) Christiansen in Richfield, MN where he graduated from high school, then attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, Iowa.Chris led a kaleidoscopic life living and working in many places including Phoenix AZ, Modesto CA,Mexico, Costa Rica, Charleston WV, Ft. Lauderdale FL, Eagle Bend MN, and then happily making his home in beautiful Cedar Key FL.His occupations and talents were equally numerous: crop duster, surveyor, farmer, boat builder, long haul trucker, saw mill operator, carpenter, cook and restauranteur. He owned and operated Cook's Cafe in Cedar Key for many years.He had a wonderful sense of humor and a natural flair for telling amazing stories of his life that were filled with adventure and mystery.Chris enjoyed cooking, reading, playing music, fishing, chasing alligators, sailing on the sea and being with his family.He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.
Chris is survived by his children, Stephanie Christiansen of Corpus Christie TX, Edwin Guy Christiansen of Cedar Key FL, Sam (Romy) Strickland of Griffin, GA, Todd Strickland of Atlanta, GA, and their mother, Gloria Christiansen of Chiefland, FL; by his children Deanna (Shaun) Wirth of Frazee MN, Brian Wirth of Cedar Key FL, and their mother Peggy Wirth of Cedar Key FL; 8 grandchildren, 1 niece and 3 nephews.Chris was fondly known as "Dicky" by his surviving siblings: sisters Barbara (Jim) Fransen of Hewitt MN, Carol (Celo V'ec) Christiansen of Little Falls MN, and brother John (Kris) Christiansen of Eden Prairie MN.
He was preceded in death by his birth mother Lillian, and his parents, Guy and Pauline Christiansen.
Memorial celebrations are being planned for future dates in Little Falls, MN and in Cedar Key, FL.

Arrangements are with the Emblom-Brenny Funeral Service in Little Falls, MN.