Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1933

DIED

2020

FUNERAL HOME

The Elms Funeral Home - Elmwood Park

7600 West Grand Avenue

Elmwood Park, Illinois

Kenneth Christiansen Obituary

Kenneth M. Christiansen, age 87; beloved husband of Amalia, nee Lopez; loving father of Barbara A. Boehne, Kenneth M., Karen M. and the late Kate F.; cherished grandfather of Kevin (Nicole), Corey and Nicholas; great-grandfather of Cole John; dear brother of Karen (Bob) Powell, Charles and preceded in death by Vernon, Betty, Fred, Dale and Paul; fond uncle of many. Kenneth was a hard working man, dedicated to his career and his family. His work ethic and determination was the driving force in his advancement to the level of engineer with Sargent & Lundy Engineers, Chicago, IL. Kenneth was trusted and respected in his field and traveled the world on complex projects in Panama, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Canada and most of the United States. He was a pillar of his family, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Due to current health mandates, services and interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery are being held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's Association would be appreciated. For information, The Elms Funeral Home at 708-453-1234 or www.elmsfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Christiansen

Not sure what to say?





Barb& Bob Larson

December 11, 2020

Our hearts are saddened by your loss. Prayers that PEACE and Comfort find you during this difficult time. Love, Barb& Bob Larson

George and Pat.

December 9, 2020

Amalia and Karen
Our thoughts and prayers for you, Ken and all of Ken's family at this sad time. Thanks Karen for posting the pictures. Eternal peace.

Scott Christiansen

December 9, 2020

Our condolences from our family to yours! Ken was and is a great man, he will be missed by all!

Kathy Chilis & Tom Drebenstedt

December 9, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss

Ken with daughter Karen, and as a child

Karen Christiansen

December 9, 2020

Ken &amp; Amalia at the Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago<br />

Karen Christiansen

December 9, 2020

Ken, his daughter Kate, <br /> and wife Amalia<br />

Karen Christiansen

December 9, 2020

Dear ol' Dad

Karen Christiansen

December 9, 2020

'Gramps' and grandsons Corey and Nick (and Jill) at Kevin's house in Duluth.

Karen Christiansen

December 9, 2020

Karen Christiansen

December 9, 2020

My dad loved his family so much and demonstrated that by working hard all the time to provide everything he could for us.

He was a great father, who insisted on teaching me how to ride a bike, ride a horse, drive manual transmission, change a car tire, do my own laundry (since age 10), and also how to use, clean, and put away tools- so I will always know where to find them later.

He taught me drafting techniques to use in my artwork and always encouraged me with whatever I was doing. He and my mom were adamant that I get a formal education and they did everything necessary for me to do so. I couldn't have achieved anything I've done without his wise influence, generosity, and unwavering love.

I remember from an early age my father taught me to respect and be kind to ALL kinds of people- and gave me opportunities to travel the world to do so. It was part of his faith and he walked the talk. He lead with words AND by example. He was a genuine and humble man who could admit to imperfections and make things right. A truly golden virtue that is sadly becoming less common.

Dad was kind soul- and animals can always tell. His diligent care for his family included the pets and they all loved him right back!

Comedian... he was not, but he tried. Dad had a sense of humor that is an acquired taste. Not sure if any of us acquired it, but I think we all appreciated his effort. Sort of. He was an honest man, and I value that immensely.

He was a man of few words, but some Wisdom from Father I will always remember, (because he told me more than once): 'Just have fun,' but also, 'Don't trust anybody.' Instilling in me a joie de vivre with a healthy amount of practical skepticism.
Right on, Dad. I love you so much.

Kyle and Amy Gronewold

December 9, 2020

Ken was a great neighbor and a wonderful person. We are lucky to have known him.

Connor

December 9, 2020

Kenneth was an excellent employee who believed in providing his best. Sympathies to the family

Familia Navarrete

December 8, 2020

Amalia, my condolences to you and your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you Que descanse en paz Ken! Por siempre lo recordaremos.

The Doerrers

December 8, 2020

God bless Ken. Wonderful man.
Our thoughts are with you and all the family.

Vera Sanin

December 8, 2020

Queridas Amalia y Karen, reciban nuestro mas sentido pésame para ustedes y el resto de la famila. Sabemos lo difícil que es perder a un ser querido. Que Dios les de fuerzas para sobrellevar esta enorme pérdida. Estan en nuestras oraciones. Mario y tu amiga de siempre,
Vera Lee

Jeanine Tobin

December 7, 2020

Amalia,

My condolences to you for the loss of your beloved husband, Ken. May your wonderful memories sustain you now and always.

David Diaz

December 7, 2020

Amalia,

My deepest condolences for your loss. Your husband sounded like a great guy and I'm sure he will be missed by many. My thoughts are with you in these tough times.

Nicky Dunn

December 7, 2020

My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
May God bless you and your family.

Emily & Kevin Pokryfke

December 7, 2020

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Ken was a wonderful person and we loved chatting with him when we were walking our dog and he was walking his.

Kathy Panse

December 7, 2020

Wishing you peace to bring you comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this sorrowful time.

Dr and Mrs James Daleo

December 6, 2020

Dearest Amalia,
May God’s Promise give you peace.

Jim and Sarah Cunningham

December 6, 2020

Our sincere condolences to you and yours.

Mike and Rosa Lucchesi

December 6, 2020

We are so sorry for your loss.
Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs

Debora Beckett

December 6, 2020

A lovely and heartfelt obituary reflecting so many of Ken’s achievements.
He will be missed.

December 6, 2020

To the family,

I wanted to extend my condolences for your loss. Please know that God is a true source of comfort and strength and he will heal the broken hearted. (Ps. 147:3) Cherish the wonderful memories!

IRENE De Vengoechea (Corcó)

December 5, 2020

Hola Amalia, mi más sentido pésame. Fortaleza para ti y tú familia. Fuerte abrazo.
Irene Corcó

Rosinda Tristán

December 5, 2020

Lo siento mucho recordada Amalia. Un fuerte abrazo desde Panamá. Rosinda Tristán

Koch and Anju Unni

December 5, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Ana Cristina López P.

December 5, 2020

Mi tío Ken, siempre será querido y recordado, me brindo su hospitalidad y su atención desprendida demostrando su enorme valor.
Un Abrazo hasta el cielo!

Lilian Rivera

December 5, 2020

Amalia. Mi más sentido pésame. Ya Ken goza de la Luz eterna. Se fue para allá donde la alegría no termina. Pido fortaleza para ti y tu hija y para el resto de la familia. Un abrazo, Lilian.

Paul and Desnee Joos

December 5, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Lorri & Tom Swanum

December 5, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results

Make a Donation
in Kenneth Christiansen's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Kenneth Christiansen

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

The Elms Funeral Home - Elmwood Park

7600 West Grand Avenue, Elmwood Park, IL 60707

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth Christiansen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more