John Christianson

1984 - 2025

On September 5, 2025 John Ian Christianson passed away in Mason City, Iowa after a three-week hospitalization, surrounded by his family and friends.

Born on August 17, 1984 in Albert Lea, Minnesota, John Ian (Ian to his family) brought immense joy to his mother, Edie (Hillman) Arnold, his grandparents, and many family members. Ian was a loving, protective, and proud big brother to his sisters, Ivy and Emma.

John's interest in learning was evident at a young age. He had an undeniably bright mind, and his intelligence was distinct. He loved making people laugh, whether through jokes of his own or funny quips he found in books or online. John was an absolute wit and enjoyed good banter.

After graduating from Lake Mills High School, John attended Waldorf College to study computer science. He worked at Winnebago Industries in Forest City for 9 years before finding his passion in Tool and Die, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM). John earned his degree in tool and die technology from NIACC in 2016. For the next several years, John worked as an engineer in the manufacturing industry, including Precision Food Innovations (PFI) and Sukup Manufacturing.

John found community through gaming at Now & Then Comics in Mason City. Friends he met there became a chosen family, providing lots of laughter and memories. Their movie nights, hangouts, and continuous games of Dungeons & Dragons or Magic: The Gathering fueled his creativity and brought him great joy. He also enjoyed hobbies at home � building and painting models, using his CNC machine, amongst other hands-on projects.

His family is deeply shattered by his loss.

Though John went to war with depression, it did not define him. He will be remembered for his patience, creativity, and kindness, and the deep connections he built with those he loved. We hope, in his memory, that you treat others with kindness. Please take time to educate yourself on depression; it is an illness that deserves attention and resources.

John Ian is survived by his mother and stepfather, Edie and Brian Arnold; siblings, Ivy (Paul) Soener, Emma (Tim) Runde, AJ (Natalie) Arnold, and Lauren Arnold (Andrew Borchardt); nephews and niece, Arthur and Ernest Soener, and Genevieve and Elliott Runde; and aunt, Janet Hillman. He is also remembered by many dear friends and extended family. John was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Louise Hillman, and father, Michael Christianson.

A memorial "Gathering" will be held on Friday, October 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Now & Then Comics and Games in Mason City, Iowa.

In lieu of gifts, please donate to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention - Iowa Chapter in honor of Ian: supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/john-i-c. If you or someone you know needs help, please call 988 or text TALK to 741741.