Mark Christiansen

Marcus B. Christiansen, Jr. was born April 16, 1918, the son of Marcus B., Sr. and Marie Lochmiller Christiansen in Denison, Iowa. He passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at the Crawford County Memorial Hospital in Denison, Iowa, at the age of 95.
Mark was baptized in Christ July, 1918 and confirmed on March 29, 1931, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison, Iowa. He attended Lutheran school and graduated from Denison High School in 1935. In 1936 Mark went to work for W.G. Hallett. In December, 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving aboard the U.S.S. Luzon and YF754 until receiving his honorable discharge in January, 1946. At that time he went back to work at Halletts Bootery and became a partner with Bill Hallett until Bill passed away and Mark then became a partner with Lyle Butch Munson. After 42 years in the shoe business it was time to retire. In July, 1948 Mark was united in marriage to Gladys Swope Cole, and raised three children, Miriam, Jan, and Steven, who gave them four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Gladys passed away May 15, 1999.
Mark served as secretary and president of Zion Lutheran Church and also on their 100th anniversary committee. He was adjutant and commander of Denison Legion Post 8 and served on the Board of Trustees of the Crawford County Memorial Hospital, the Crawford County Conservation Board, and Denison Municipal Utilities Board.
Mark and Gladys spent many winters in Florida and Arizona and took many trips in this great country. He enjoyed golfing, swimming, woodworking, and crafts.
Mark was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Gladys; and five sisters: Marie Leahy; Dorothy Nason; Ella Runge; Martha Martin; and Neva Taylor. Survivors include three children: Miriam Brownie Runge and her husband, Richard of Iowa City, Iowa; Steve Christiansen and his wife, Pat of Beaverton, Oregon; and Jan Beane and her husband, Kurt of Des Moines, Iowa; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

The family requests memorials be given to The Eventide Foundation or Zion Lutheran Church in Denison.