Clifton Christianson
Clifton O. Christianson, 86, of Waukon died Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Private family graveside services along with military honors were held in Bethlehem Cemetery in rural Postville with Karla Johnson officiating. Cards may be sent to Charlotte Christianson at 603 First Street NE, Waukon, IA 52172. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon handled arrangements.
Clifton Ordel Christianson was born December 8, 1934 in Center Township, rural Elon, the son of Andrew and Hilma (Larson) Christianson. He was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville and attended Fan school. When he was 16 years old, his father died and Cliff took over the family operation for his mother. Cliff served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957; while in the Navy, he received his GED.
June 4, 1957, he married Charlotte Hansmeier at Salem United Church of Christ in rural Postville; they farmed together in Ludlow Township for many years, milking cows. He also worked for Hy-Grade in Postville for 11 years. After they were married, they became members of Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder. His faith was very important to him.
In 1984, they moved into Waukon and Cliff continued to go to the farm every day. He drove semi for Al Quandahl, Dee Implement, and for several other companies in the Waukon area. He volunteered to drive the Veterans Van to Iowa City for 11 years. Cliff enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved visiting with people, dancing with Charlotte, and taking several cruises. Cliff also had his own plane and loved to fly when he had the chance.
Survivors include Charlotte, his wife of 63 years; his children: Gary (Brenda) Christianson of Maplewood, MN and Tammy (Gary) Belverud of Decorah; seven grandchildren: Shawn, Craig, Michael and Thomas Belverud, Tanja Hale, and Seth and Hans Christianson; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Carmen (Marge) Christianson of Preston, MN and Norman (Gayle) Christianson of Vallejo, CA; three sisters: Ione Rema and Margaret Herman, both of Waukon, and Vivian (David) Benjegerdes of Postville; one brother-in-law, Robert (Joy) Hansmeier of Waukon; three sisters-in-law: Darlene Johnson and Pat Hansmeier, both of Waukon, and Linda (Mike) Miller of Chariton; an aunt, Lillian Larson of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Cody Christianson; a great-grandson, Domonic Belverud; his father- and mother-in-law, Reuben and Gertrude Hansmeier; two brothers, Hilmen (Lillian) Christianson and Virgil Christianson; a sister, Anaruth (Karl) Bechtel; and three brothers-in-law, Norman Rema, Alton Herman and Richard Hansmeier.
Honorary casketbearers were his great-grandchildren. Casketbearers were his grandchildren.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
