Fifth Generation

47. Vern L. CHRISTIANSEN was born on 16 January 1950 in La Crosse, La Crosse County, WI.⁴⁶ He died on 11 April 2015 at the age of 65 in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, FL.⁴⁶

Obituary Notes: "Vern L. Christiansen, 65, of St. Petersburg and formerly of Tomah died Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Northside Hospital, St. Petersburg. He was born Jan. 16, 1950, to Alfred and Luella (Strozinsky) Christiansen in La Crosse.

He was a member of the Tomah High School Graduating Class of 1967. Vern proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Vern later attended Milwaukee School of Engineering graduating with a Bachelor’s degree.

On May 27, 1978, Vern was united in marriage to Catherine Young in Ferndale, Mich. The couple were renting a home while he worked for Chrysler in Detroit. The two met while Vern was going to college and working a contract job at RCA in Raritan, N.J. Vern was laid off from Chrysler a year later, and the couple returned to their home in Bridgewater, N.J. She preceded him in death in 1993.

While living in Bridgewater, Vern worked as an engineer for Unisys Corp and Intel/Dialogic Corp. In 2008, Vern and his step daughter, Jen, moved to St. Petersburg, so she could care for him full time due to his advancing renal disease caused by Agent Orange exposure while serving in Vietnam.

Some would describe Vern as an introvert. Those who were close to him, however, know he had a great personality and sense of humor. He loved video games and watching TV, some of his favorites were The History Channel, Fox News and The Five. He wrote software programs to use on his personal computer such as birthday reminders. Some of his other hobbies, included camping, sailing and in his younger years, touring the country on his motorcycle.

Vern will be remembered for his unconditional love and understanding. He accomplished many things in life but remained humble and generous. Words cannot describe what an important person he was to the lives of those he touched, leaving a legacy of love behind him. A loving stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend are a few of his greatest accomplishments.

He is survived by six stepchildren, Charlene (Robert) Cunha, of Lebanon, N.J., Terri Lee (Russ) Whitehill, of Allentown, Pa., Jenet Christiansen, of St. Petersburg, Kathleen (Jeff) King-Jenkins, of Midland, Va., John E. Young, of Bridgewater, Suzanne L.(Brian) Unterberger, of Westerly, R.I.; ten grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Catherine; and a granddaughter, Crystal.

According to Vern’s wishes, a graveside memorial service will be July 18, at Oak Grove Cemetery with military honors by Grassman-Sowle-Larsen-Senz American Legion Post #201."

.

Vern L. CHRISTIANSEN and Catherine YOUNG were married on 27 May 1978 in Ferndale, Wayne County, MI.⁴⁶ Catherine YOUNG was born (date unknown).