Gary F. Christiansen Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

NORFOLK -- Funeral service for Gary F. Christiansen, 70, of Norfolk will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 19, 2018 at the Stonacek Funeral Chapel with Pastor Caleb Lind and Father Scott Schilmoeller officiating. Visitation will be 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, also at Stonacek Funeral Chapel in Norfolk. Gary passed away at his residence with the love of his family by his side on Friday, May 11, 2018. Gary will be cremated as per his wishes and burial will be at Prospect Hill Cemetery at a later date. Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post #16, V.F.W. Post #1644, Norfolk, Nebraska, United States Navy Honors Guard, Nebraska American Legion Riders. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the family for a later designation. Stonacek Funeral Chapel of Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements. Gary was born on October 27, 1947, the youngest of four children to Arnold and Lottie (Finch) Christiansen in Sioux City Iowa. He attended various grade schools and graduated from Riverside High School in 1965. He then joined the United States Navy becoming a radar man during the Vietnam conflict on the USS Oklahoma City. After returning from active duty in the service (September 1, 1965-August 26, 1967) he met and married Jane Schechinger on April 27, 1968. To this union was born one son, Robert (Bob) Christiansen wife Teresa, grandchildren Michael and Kiley. He is also survived by his older sister Carol Larson, and numerous sister and brother-in laws. Coming from a smaller family and marrying into a much larger family, he considered all of them his family and loved them all very much. Gary was a gentle man, never wanting to harm anyone. He worked at various positions throughout his career finally retiring at the age of 63. In his younger years he would be able to fix anything that was given to him, and always would lend a helping hand to family and friends. He loved Nebraska football, and always would have a good story or joke for family and friends. He bowled with his wife until he hurt his back, then he continued to support and encourage her bowling. He loved to go fishing with his father-in-law, but quit after he passed away, Gary just didn’t feel right fishing without him. Gary and Jane just celebrated their 50th Anniversary in April and throughout those years they traveled extensively with friends and family. Some of his favorite destinations where fishing in Canada and the trip to Alaska. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brother Arnie, and sister Dolores. His mother and father-in laws Leonard & Phyllis Schechinger, his brother-in-law Dennis Schechinger, and sister-in law Janice Schechinger. Guitarist/singer will be Gino Comito singing “The Dance”, “Simple Man" , "Wish You Were Here." Casket bearers will be Dale Bruening, Lowell Janovec, Douglas Henn, Duane Schechinger, Justin Weeces, and Bill Gustafsson. Honorary casket bearers will be family and friends. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Gary F. Christiansen

October 27, 1947 - May 11, 2018