Lynn R. Christiansen

Lynn R Christiansen, 86, died June 2, 2023 in Lincoln, NE.  He was born at home in rural Bradshaw, NE to Leland ‘Pete’ and Virgie (Radcliff) Christiansen.  He grew up on the family farm, only 2 miles away from his future wife, Twila.  They first met when Twila was in 1st grade and Lynn was in 5th at the little country school and church halfway between their homes.  Lynn graduated from York High School, then the University of Nebraska in Mechanical Engineering. Lynn proudly served his country in the Army Reserves.  He began his career as a Design Engineer on the B-52 Bomber for Boeing in Wichita. After marrying Twila at Harmony Church in August of 1962, they moved to San Diego where he was a Flight Test Engineer on the Atlas missile for General Dynamics.  They returned to Nebraska where he was a Project Engineer on fertilizer equipment for Dempster Industries in Beatrice.  He was Fleet Manager for Nebraska Public Power District in York before retiring in 1993.  He and Twila enjoyed ‘hitting the road’ driving for John Kohl Auto Center before eventually settling in Lincoln.  They were married 59 years when she passed away in 2021.

Lynn was a former member of the Hidden Acres Golf Club in Beatrice and the York Country Club, as well as the American Legion in York.  He was a member of St Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln.

Through the years, Lynn enjoyed bowling, playing tennis and golf, hunting, camping, hiking, and traveling.  He listened to country music, watched the gameshow and golf networks, and read Louis L’Amour paperbacks.  He loved to play all kinds of games and activities with his kids, grandkids, family, and friends. He had a ‘bit’ of a competitive spirit in all things, whether playing cards or board games, bocce, ping pong, or pool, as well as shuffleboard at the Legacy Retirement Community.

Lynn was always a good provider and loving family man.  He looked forward to family get-togethers, celebrations, and playing games.  He was so proud of all his kids and grandkids.

As Dad once said, “I grew up on a farm with a sister and 2 brothers in the ‘30s and ‘40s. There was no money or allowance, no electricity or running water, no vacations—just school and church, working on the farm, and family.  It was wonderful.”

Lynn is survived by his two daughters, Deb Curatola of Leavenworth, KS and Vicki (James) Fairchild of Lincoln; his four grandchildren, Jenny (Jake) Curatola-Wozniak, Katie (Gary) Curatola Burruss, Bailey (Jesse) Schulz and Jackson Fairchild; his great grandson, Peter Burruss (with a brother on the way); and his brothers, L.A, (Roberta) Christiansen of AZ and Lowell (Pam) Christiansen in Cortland; along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends.  Lynn was preceded in death by his loving wife Twila, his parents, and sister Ginny (Wade) Haynes.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 13, 1pm at St Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

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