Gerald R Christiansen

Jerry (Gerald) Christiansen, 83 of Ellsworth, WI, passed away on March 27,2025, at the Western Wisconsin Health hospital in Baldwin, WI.

Jerry was born on January 20, 1942, at St. John’s Hospital in Red Wing, MN, to Richard and Bernice (Laughnan) Christiansen. He and his four siblings were raised on a dairy farm two miles south of Trimbelle. After graduating from Ellsworth High School in 1960, Jerry served in the United States Air Force for four years as an air traffic controller. Upon completing his military service, he reconnected with Linda Imhoff, and the two were married on May 15, 1965. Together, they had three children: Kent, Eva, and Kurt. Jerry worked for 3M, the Chicago Air Route Traffic Center, and Meyer Industries during his career. In his retirement he drove veterans to the VA Medical Center for Pierce County.

Jerry was a dedicated patriot and civic-minded individual. He was a proud member of the Kinne-Englehart American Legion Post 204, Pierce County 40 Et 8, the Ellsworth Community School Foundation Board, and the English Lutheran Church. Jerry held several leadership roles, including serving as past commander of the Kinne-Englehart American Legion Post 204, past Chef de Gare of the Pierce County Voiture 904 of the 40 Et 8, Adjutant for both the Pierce County American Legion and the 10th District of the Wisconsin American Legion. He also served as the president of Ellsworth Dollars for Scholars for ten years and was on the Ellsworth Community School District Board for nine years, including eight years as president.

He is survived by his wife, Linda; sons Kent (Amy), Kurt (Kristie), and daughter Eva (Keith) Marthaler; six grandchildren and one great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Christiansen, and his half -brother, Jeremy Christiansen. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Dennis, Pat, and Gail Christiansen.

Jerry cherished time spent with family and friends, enjoyed trips to the Dells, and visiting casinos in Wisconsin and Minnesota. His passion for the American Legion and the 40 & 8 was a source of joy, as was his love for music, dancing, playing cards, and telling Ole & Lena jokes. Above all, Jerry will be remembered for his deep love for his family.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. A memorial service honoring Jerry’s life will follow at the same venue, beginning at noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to English Lutheran Church at www.englishlutheranchurch.org/give or Kinne-Engelhart Post 204 American Legion of Ellsworth via check or cash. These were causes close to Jerry’s heart.

Services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ellsworth. For further details, please see www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com, or call 715-273-4421.