Richard Christiansen

Richard Lee Christiansen, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at his home in Denison, Iowa, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Richard was born on December 23, 1945, to Solon and Helen (Kline) Christiansen. He was raised on the family farm near Dow City, Iowa, where he learned the values of hard work, dedication, and helping others—values that would guide him throughout his life. He attended school in Dow City and graduated from Dow City High School.

Following graduation, Richard began his career at IBP, where he worked for 25 years. Although he enlisted to serve his country, an injury to his right eye sustained in an accident at IBP prevented him from entering military service. 

Richard devoted much of his life to serving others. He proudly volunteered with the Dow City Fire Department, where he served as a firefighter and eventually became Fire Chief. His desire to help those in need led him to become an EMT, and later an EMT-I, serving the community through Crawford County Memorial Hospital. For more than 25 years, Richard answered emergency calls, comforted those in crisis, and provided compassionate care to countless individuals. His dedication to service left a lasting impact on the communities he served.

After retiring from emergency medical services, Richard continued doing what he loved most connecting with people. He helped deliver flowers and co-owned Country Rose Flower Shop with his wife, Cathy. Whether delivering a bouquet, sharing a story, or simply offering a smile, Richard had a gift for making people feel valued and cared for. He continued working at the flower shop until 2025.

On November 27, 1982, Richard married the love of his life, Cathy (McCollough) Christiansen. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and service. They first made their home in Dow City before later moving to Denison, Iowa.

Richard had many passions throughout his life. He loved farming and cherished time spent restoring classic cars alongside his brother, Howard. He enjoyed attending car shows, traveling, spending winters in Florida, playing cards with family and friends, and trying his luck at the casino. He could often be found watching his favorite television programs especially Young Sheldon, Yellowstone, and various classic car shows or sharing cashews with his puppy Parker.

No matter where life took him, Richard made friends easily and treasured every relationship he formed. Above all else, Richard's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved gathering with family, celebrating milestones, sharing stories, and creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

His 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren brought him immense pride and happiness, and he treasured every moment spent with them.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Solon and Helen Christiansen; his brothers, Cecil, Danny, and Howard Christiansen; his sisters-in-law, Gloria and Janice Christiansen; and his son-in-law, Chuck Hankins. 

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of more than 42 years, Cathy Christiansen; daughter, Lynette Hankins of Winterset, Iowa, and her family of six children and seven grandchildren; daughter, Rhonda (Steve) Hauge of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, and their family of three children and four grandchildren; daughter, Tonia (Eric) Petterson of Waukee, Iowa, and their four children; son, Jason Lee (Megan) Christiansen of Moulton, Iowa, and their child; stepchildren: Jason Todd Koch of Denison, Iowa, and Cori Jo Koch (Todd VanArsol) of Dow City, Iowa, and their family of two children and three grandchildren; his sister, Carol Moore of Lincoln, Nebraska; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, coworkers, former colleagues, and extended family members.

Richard will be remembered for his kind heart, unwavering work ethic, dedication to serving others, and genuine love for family and friends. Whether responding to an emergency call, restoring a classic car, delivering flowers, sharing a card game, or simply offering a helping hand, Richard touched the lives of countless people. His legacy of compassion, service, friendship, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. The family finds comfort in knowing that Richard's life was one well lived— filled with purpose, laughter, friendship, and love. He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always cherished.

The family will host his celebration of life at a later date.