Jeanne Christiansen

Through the life she lived each day, Jeanne Christiansen taught us that there is little value found in material things, but that it is in the way we love those around us that we are richly blessed. She was generous and gracious with the greatest dry sense of humor to boot. With the love of her life by her side throughout most of her life, Jeanne experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer while making priceless memories along the way. Her love for those around her accompanied by her unwavering faith will be her shining legacy.

The 1920s were a great time to be an American. Jazz music was hot, Broadway was at its all time peak, dance crazes like the Charleston were all the rage, and prosperity was the dominant force, which contributed to this decade often being referred to as the Roaring Twenties. Nestled within this exciting time was the year 1925 that was filled with great anticipation for one young couple from Alpena, Michigan, as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on May 21st when their healthy baby girl made her arrival. Jeanne Marie was one of two children born to her parents, James and Lyal (Bertram) LaLonde, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brother, James, who was three years her junior. Her father was a banker who retired as president of Alpena Savings and Loan in Alpena while her mother ran a tight ship at home. Jeanne experienced a typical upbringing and was a student at local Catholic schools where she excelled in her studies. She was an avid reader who went on to graduate from St. Bernard in 1943.

Not to be forgotten during her years in high school was Jeanne’s introduction to the man who stole her heart. His name was Earl “Chris” Christiansen, and he was raised Lutheran and attended local public schools. Being from a small town, it was not uncommon for everyone to know just about everyone, so Chris just called Jeanne up one day while he was home on leave from the Army-Air Corps and asked her out for a date. Sparks flew right from the start, and it was not long after that he called his sweetheart from where he was stationed in California and proposed. After receiving the approval of her mother Jeanne enthusiastically accepted his proposal. They were married on January 10, 1946, in the Rectory at St. Bernard. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Detroit and then Ohio for a long weekend.

Eager to begin their lives together, the couple was equally excited to learn that they were expecting a baby not long after they were married. Together they welcomed two girls into their hearts and home, their first daughter Susan who was followed by Carol. Jeanne was a supportive wife while her husband pursued an education in pharmacology at Ferris Institute. Chris’ first job brought them to Manistee, but after a year he transferred to Flint with Upjohn before settling in Battle Creek. He worked tirelessly in his career as a sales representative, earning the WE Upjohn Award, the highest the company had to offer and given to him personally by Mr. Upjohn.

From 1963 through 1993 when Chris sadly passed...Jeanne stayed in Battle Creek until 1996, at which time she moved to Kalamazoo to be closer to her daughter Carol. While in Battle Creek, they lived in the same home on Stafford Avenue, where Jeanne loved cooking and entertaining. In fact, it was through her cooking that she demonstrated her deep love for her family. She loved nothing more than making a big roast dinner and baking, especially pies. Christmastime was filled with its own traditions as making and eating her French meat pies was something that happened every year. Jeanne’s meat pies were such a hit that she often gave away as gifts to others in addition to her Christmas cookies. Whoever received these famous pies always asked for the recipe. Jeanne was active in the lives of their daughters as she helped at St. Joseph School as a home room mother, playground monitor and helped in the office. She served in later years at Lakeview High School in the cafeteria serving lunches once a week. She also served as their troop leader for many years as this allowed her not only to be with her girls but also to serve others.

In her leisure time Jeanne enjoyed pursuing her interests, many of which involved being at home. She took great pride in keeping her home neat and tidy and was known as “Clean Jeanne” as she was often teased, you could eat off her floors. She was a natural at organization, too, and she cared for her gardens beautifully. Jeanne was also gifted at decorating, and her door was always open. As an outstanding hostess, having company over was a common scenario. Jeanne’s Catholic faith was a vital part of her life, and she generously gave to the church.

Outside of the home Jeanne had many interests, too. A perfect day in her book was spent in Grand Rapids where she could shop at her favorite store, Jacobsen’s, complete with a trip to the store's restaurant for lunch. Jeanne loved shopping with her daughter, and the two would make a day of it - especially when shopping for Christmas. Clothes shopping was something she especially loved. Jeanne did some traveling including two trips to Hawaii and to visit family in Texas and Florida, and there were also regular summer trips up north to Alpena or other areas like Delton where they usually stayed in cottages. For several years she was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary Drug Club with whom she did some charitable work. At home Jeanne kept busy with crossword puzzles or reading, and she was talented at playing along with Jeopardy. Jeanne loved big band music, but she more recently had her daughter’s music on 106.5 playing all the time. During their years together, she and her husband loved going dancing, especially to Mac the Knife, Chris' favorite song. She also was a member of both the Altar and Rosary Societies at St. Joseph Church in Battle Creek, where she was a member for 41 years. Until recently, Jeanne remained active through walking.

A generous, kindhearted, and compassionate woman, Jeanne Christiansen was always looking for ways she could help others, although she was humble and content to remain in the background. She was highly intelligent with a quick mind, and she could also be a bit stubborn at times, too. Jeanne’s grace, beauty, and selfless heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Jeanne M.Christiansen died February 3, 2013. Jeanne’s family includes her daughter, Carol (Michael) Ritter, and many nieces and nephews. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband, Earl “Chris” Christiansen; daughter, Susan (Hayes) Williams; brother, James LaLonde; and grand-dog, “Maggie.” Friends may spend time with the family an hour before services on Wednesday from 10-11 a.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Dr., 375-2900. The service will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon in the Life Story Center. Burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Jeanne’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be directed to St. Monica Catholic Church or Salvation Army.