Dr. Thomas C. Christiansen

Dr. Thomas C. Christiansen passed away on September 2, 2025 in Sun City West, Arizona at the age of 95. Born on June 29, 1930, in Clinton, Iowa, to the late Paul and Irene Christiansen, Tom led a fulfilled life as a son, husband, physician and father. He was the family's pillar of stability as he patiently provided guidance and advice. Tom was a man fully devoted to his family, friends and patients. Everyone knew him as a kind, trustworthy, compassionate man with a subtle sense of humor who always maintained the same calm demeanor regardless of the situation. He greatly enjoyed golf and gardening and was a valued friend to many he met in those communities. He spent many hours immersing himself in music and solving crossword puzzles with Jean. Tom proudly served as an OB/GYN in the Joliet, Illinois community for over 30 years, where he had a great reputation with his patients and colleagues alike. He graduated from medical school at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and joined the U.S. Navy as an officer in Norfolk, Virginia for two years before returning to the Midwest to start his medical career. His wife, Jean was his constant companion for over 68 years starting from the time they met at Creighton University, married, raised their family in Joliet, Illinois and retired to Sun City West, Arizona in the 1990s. Together they provided a home filled with love, laughter, and encouragement to nurture their family. Tom was predeceased by his sister, Mary Britt. He is survived by Jean (Hamilton) Christiansen, his devoted wife; children Kathi (Jim) Jahnke, Tom (Cheryl) Christiansen, John (Kim) Christiansen, Karen Gillingham (Dennis Freeman), David (Terry) Christiansen and Carol (Steve) Zee; brother Bill (Heather) Christiansen; grandchildren Sarah Jahnke, Lauren Christiansen, Christine (Zach) Kreuger, Madeleine (Tyler) Reeves, Evan (Brooke) Christiansen, Olivia Gillingham (Kelsey Alt), Meghan Jahnke, Will (Lauren) Gillingham, Trent Christiansen, Elizabeth Gillingham, Grace Christiansen and Maya Zee; and six great-grandchildren who will sadly miss him. A private service in his honor will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at Camino Del Sol Funeral Chapel in Sun City West, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Tom's name to St. Vincent de Paul, to help those in need.