Col. Von R. “Chris” Christiansen (USAF – Retired) 1934-2018

Friday, August 24, 2018

Von R. “Chris” Christiansen was born September 6, 1934 in Downey, Idaho. He passed away peacefully at his home in Eagle, Idaho on August 22, 2018. The peace and calm associated with his passing were a blessing for our family, and in particular his wife, Janis Christiansen, to whom he was married 61 years.

Chris attended The University of Utah where he was a member of the U’s ski team. From there, he followed his love of flying and joined the Air Force. While still serving in the Air Force, he returned to the University of Nebraska to complete his Bachelor’s Degree and then went on to receive his Master’s in International Relations from George Washington University. He was a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and the National War College.

Chris treasured his time in the Air Force and was a true patriot. He served for 26 years, flew over 400 combat missions in Southeast Asia, shot down a MIG-21 and received numerous service medals, including the Silver Star, Legion of Merit and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Chris was proud to have concluded his service as the Wing Commander at Mountain Home Air Force Base, home to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing.

Chris is preceded in death by his parents, Roy M. Christiansen and Inge Brandt, and his brother Gary B. Christiansen and sister Gilda Mae Nicholes. He is survived by his wife, Janis LaRue Walton Christiansen 82, Eagle, Idaho, and his 4 children, Kim Christiansen Tveit, 60 (Centralia, WA), Von R. Christiansen, Jr, 58 (Prescott Valley, AZ), Kelli Christensen, 54 (Long Beach, CA) and Spencer Christiansen, 45 (Salt Lake City, UT). Chris is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and countless extended family and friends.

A viewing will be held on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Bowman Funeral Parlor, located at 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr, Garden City, ID 83714. The funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Ashbury Ward (7135 N. Linder Rd, Eagle, ID 83646) on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018 at 11:00 am, with visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 am. A committal service will follow at 1:00 pm at the Idaho State Veteran’s Cemetery, located at 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Rd. Boise, ID 83714. Following the committal service, a reception will be held at 3:00pm at the Ashbury Ward.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, https://www.river-rats.org/member-dues--donations/make-donations.html.

Please visit Chris’s memorial webpage online at www.bowmanfuneral.com.