Julius Christianson, 95, died April 3, 2014 at his home in Helena, MT. He was born on October 10, 1918, in the house of his homesteading parents, Nels and Amanda Christianson, on Tule Creek north of Wolf Point, Montana.
He began a 42 year career railroading modestly, by delivering telegrams in High School and learning telegraphy. He became a Great Northern RR depot agent at 18. He served in World War II in the China-Burma-India “Secret War” dispatching supplies by railroad. Upon his return from the war he became a dispatcher, again with the Great Northern RR in Havre, Montana.
It was in Havre that he then met and married Havre native Carmen Virginia Dupper to begin a very happy life of 67 years together.
In 1960 he was tapped to be Chief Dispatcher for the Mesabi Division in Superior, Wisconsin. He and Carmen spent 34 years in the Superior community. It was there where he became president of Concordia Lutheran Church council and lead the church’s 100th anniversary celebration. He established a Boy Scout troop 213, served on the Douglas County Tax Advisory board for many years, sponsored a Viet Nam refugee family, and was a helping hand to many.
After retirement, Julius and Carmen returned to Montana and made their home in Helena where they continued to serve God and community through Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, active in Sons of Norway, faithfully supporting the Holter Museum of Art, Helena Symphony, Montana Historical Society and the arts community. Julius spent his retirement years doing woodworking, often donating work to be auctioned off benefiting various faith-based and non-profit organizations.
Julius was preceded in death by his sister, Jean Schwinden, and daughter and son-in-law Carmen and Ray Paulsen (Superior, WI).
He is survived by his wife, Carmen, sons James (Irene) Christianson of Great Falls and Denis (Grace) Christianson of Gillette, WY, and daughter Ingrid (Don) Childress of Helena, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9th, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave, with a reception to immediately follow at the church. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Julius
In lieu of flowers, please offer memorials to Our Redeemers Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave, Helena, MT, 59602 or St. Peters Hospice at 201 S. California St. Helena, MT, 59601.
Raini and Dan Williams says
I are so sorry to hear about your father’s death and also sorry I’m not there to offer some support. I didn’t really know your dad except through stories you shared and I’ve always thought what a great man and great dad he must have been. Please know that Dan and I are thinking of you and Don and keeping you in our prayers.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you when we return in Jun.
Much love, Raini
Margaret Woo says
Ingrid and Denis,
I am sad to hear that your father passed. I always enjoyed seeing your parents out at various events in Helena. We all enjoyed and supported many of the same events, and he always made the connection between our families. He lived a good, long life. Condolences also to your beautiful mother.
With Love,
Margaret
Linda and Merlyn Huso says
Ingrid and family,
Some people just bring joy to others by their very presence and I always felt that way about your father, and mother too. Although I did not know Julius well, I enjoyed chatting while taking blood pressures at ORLC. Their faithfulness at ORLC touch my life as well as many others I am sure. Your father will be greatly missed.
Blessings to you, your lovely mother Carmen, and family,
Linda and Merlyn Huso
Robbin Roberts says
Denis, Ingrid and Carmen,
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of JC.
He was a person of great integrity and a pillar I respected very much.
The positive influence and support he as well as all of you provided us “neighbor boys” growing up I have never forgotten. Thank you, all.
In sincerest sympathy,
Robbin & Family
Steve Roberts says
I am deeply saddened by the passing of JC. The Christianson family has touched my life in so many positive ways. I too am one of the boys who was so fortunate to have lived next to 2020 Odgen. My thanks to JC and Carmen for their gentle/kind support and guidance as my Boy Scout leader, sunday school teacher and loving neighbor and to Denis and Ingrid for your friendship. I will always cherish the many memories.
Your friend always,
Steve
Jackie Shober Semrad says
The Christianson Family,
I am so sorry to here of Mr. Christianson’s passing. I am another “neighbor kid” from Ogden Avenue. My older siblings were friends of Coco, Denis and Ingrid, and I was always eager to tag along to the Christianson home. Such a warm and welcoming family! JC always had a kind, encouraging word for us. Thank you for the great memories!
With deepest sympathy,
Jackie