g out a fishing rod with family members, or sitting down for a day of cheering together for a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game or an Iowa Hawkeyes football game.
He served his community in various ways as a member of the Harlan Jaycees and later the Harlan Lions Club. He was especially proud of being part of the team of Lions Club members who initiated the first football program handed out to fans passing through the gates in 1974, and to see the tradition continue.
Gary was honored to be nominated to serve on the Harlan's Park and Recreation Board. The vision of that committee led to the movement of the baseball field to the present J. J. Jensen complex and the building of the present swimming pool. Becoming involved with city planning on this committee led to his serving eight years on the Harlan City Council, many years on EMA, and twelve years as Harlan's mayor. Through collaborative efforts and a visionary outlook, many things were accomplished in the ensuing years including the relocation of the Senior Center to the newly constructed C. G. Therkildsen Activity Center. Gary always held the Harlan city employees in high esteem as he helped to ensure their safety and the welfare of the citizens of our community.
Gary received many honors and awards throughout his lifetime including those from the Lions Club International Organization, the Harlan Community School District, the Harlan Chamber, and the Harlan City Council. Each and every one was dear to his heart and truly humbled him. The most humbling of all was the naming of Harlan's newest subdivision as the Gary H. Christiansen Addition honoring his many years of service to the community.
Gary in preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons Richard Christiansen of Temecula, CA; Dennis Christiansen of Papillion, NE; Brent (Sara) Christiansen of Peoria, AZ; brother Monty (Connie) Christiansen of State College, PA; grandsons Aaron, Jason, Adam, Joseph, Dennis Jr, and Conlin Christiansen; granddaughter Kendall Christiansen; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the Shelby County Community Outreach, Inc., in Gary's honor.
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