Judith "Judy" Marie Christiansen

Judith “Judy” Marie Christiansen of Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend went home to be with the Lord, with her family by her side, on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Hoyt Nursing & Rehab Centre. She was 86 years old. Judy was born on January 1, 1937, in Mason, Michigan, to the late George Washington and Shirley Elizabeth (Swan) Post. She was a proud 1955 graduate of Mason High School. Following graduation, Judy attended the University of Michigan for nursing, but wanted a more “hands on” approach to her vocation and transferred to Henry Ford Nursing School where she graduated as a registered nurse. She met the love of her life, Donald Lee Christiansen, through a cousin, and became inseparable after their first date at the drive-in theater. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on August 29, 1959, in Mason, Michigan; he survives her. As a young woman, Judy worked for McLaren Hospital in Flint, and upon moving to Saginaw, she worked part-time at Saginaw General Hospital before taking on the role of her lifetime to be a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. After the children were older, Judy returned to the nursing profession working 26 years at The Lutheran Home in Frankenmuth. She was a faithful, 60-year member of Faith Lutheran Church, dedicating countless hours as a Sunday School Teacher, and serving on the Ladies Guild, in bake sales and bazaars, and through various other ministries throughout her life. While at church, Judy met many parishioners born in 1937, and together formed the “1937 birthday club” gathering twice a year to celebrate their lives. She and Don were also actively involved nationally and internationally with the Lutheran Marriage Encounter for over 47 years. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, sewing, creating and designing many beautiful wedding and baptismal gowns, as well as countless ballet costumes throughout her life. Judy also enjoyed attending Formula V races with her husband, Don. Her little piece of heaven was spending time traveling to Israel, Russia, the Canary Islands, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Finland, and Jamaica with her beloved, Don, and many camping and road trips with the entire family. Above all, she treasured and cherished the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will forever be remembered for her infectious laugh and beautiful smile, for the love and care she provided for people she truly cared about, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.  

Surviving are her husband of 64 years, Donald L. Christiansen of Saginaw; 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, Debra (Anne) Menendez; two nephews and a niece: Dan (Amanda) Herrington, Sam (Dayna) Herrington, and Jeaneen (Cosmos) Clarke.

She was preceded in death by family members, daughter, Kay Lee Christiansen; grandson, Aaron Klein; sister, Georgeanna Herrington; and niece, Ann Moore.

Honoring Judy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Faith Lutheran Church4241 Williamson Road, Bridgeport, Michigan. Rev. Timothy Behnke will officiate. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. 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.