Donald “Don” Lee Christiansen

Donald “Don” Lee Christiansen, 88, of Saginaw, MI passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Saginaw Senior Care and Rehab Center.

Don was born in Flint, Michigan, to the late Ransom and Norma Christiansen on March 4, 1936. He graduated from Flint Technical High School in 1954. Don went on to earn an engineering degree from General Motors Institute of Technology. At the urging of his cousin, he attended a date at a drive in theater with Judith Post. Don and Judy fell in love and were married on August 29, 1959, in Mason, Michigan. They were blessed with six children. He was a loving father to his children and devoted husband of over 60 years to the love of his life, Judy, until she passed July 13, 2023. He worked a short time for Buick before taking the role of vice president of SKS Heat Treating Company in Bridgeport, Michigan, where he would finish his long career. He was a man of great faith with a love of speed and a giving heart. He served in the Navy and sailed. He raced the Formula Vee car he helped build for 40 years and attended the Indy 500 for 57 years! He sang in the church choir, led marriage encounter weekends nationally and internationally, and sat on numerous boards and councils for his church and the community. He loved to travel taking road trips with his cousin and friends when he was young, camping trips throughout the US with his children, trips to attend special events and celebrations of his grandchildren, and trips all over the world with his loving wife.

Don is survived by five children and their spouses: Keith (Rachel) Christiansen of Tucson, AZ; Jill (Nick) Barile of Greenwich, CT; Jean Nicoleau of Newnan, GA ; Julie (Steve) Kiefer of Excelsior, MN; Chris (Mark) Klein of Saginaw; 13 grandchildren: Casandra (Jonathan) Bolt, Andrew (Rachael) Christiansen, Kyle Quirin, Jessica Christiansen, Cameron (Sara) Christiansen, Sasha Barile, Jacalyn (James) Zarra; Nicholas Christiansen, Herby Nicoleau Jr., Jennifer Kiefer, Dylan Kiefer, Chelsey (Vincent) Von Lau, and Amber Klein; two great-grandchildren, Ella Bolt and Jack Bolt; a sister-in-law, Debra (Anne) Menendez; two nephews and a niece: Dan (Amanda) Herrington, Sam (Dayna) Herrington, and Jeaneen (Cosmo) Clarke.

He was preceded in death by his bride of 64 years, Judith Marie Christiansen, daughter, Kay Lee Christiansen; grandson, Aaron Klein; sister-in-law, Georganna Herrington; and niece, Ann Moore.

Honoring Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church 4241 Williamson Road, Bridgeport, MI 48722. Rev. Timothy Behnke will officiate. Military honors will follow under the auspices of the United States Navy and American Legion Post #22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Faith Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Marriage Encounter. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.