Christine Christiansen

Christine "Chris" Ellen (Smith) Christiansen, 75, of Clinton, WI passed away peacefully, in her home surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
She was born December 31, 1949 in Janesville, WI to Robert "Bob" and Helen (Koeberl) Smith. Chris was the oldest of six children, sparking her passion for caregiving which she fulfilled both personally and professionally. She attended St. Williams Catholic School and was in the first graduating class from Parker High School. During that time she formed some of her most cherished friendships, including her best friend and husband of 52 years, Brian.
After graduation, Chris' passion for caregiving took her to Madison General School of Nursing where she graduated as a Registered Nurse. She spent much of her career working with those who lived in long term care facilities, and ended her nursing career as Director of Social Services. After retiring, she spent time working in the schools with students with special needs, and continued to lend her time at the Stateline Pregnancy Center.
Despite being more of a homebody, Chris' easy going spirit took her and her travel partner Brian to many places including a tandem bike tour across the state of Wisconsin, deer and grouse hunting in the north woods, and stamping her passport in 15 different countries.
She truly realized her caregiving role when she became a wife, mom and grandma. Together with her husband they raised, with unwavering devotion, three children. Supporting her children in whatever they chose to do at the time became her greatest joy. She was by far their biggest fan. Life growing up with Chris as your mother meant baking and cooking at Christmas, working on 4-H projects, being cheered on from the stands or the field, taking trips around the US and the UK, and lots and lots of laughter. To be cared for by Chris, is to be loved.
The pinnacle of her caregiving journey was when she became a grandma. She felt there was no greater calling for her than to care for, love and focus all her energy on her grandchildren, and did so without hesitation. She made herself available to them no matter the day or time with joyful energy.
The safety, security and precious confidence she had in her relationship with Jesus informed and was exemplified in how she cared for others. Although we miss her desperately, we know that she is resting in her new body in heaven with Jesus and look forward to the day of reuniting with her. She was the best of us.
Survivors include her loving husband Brian, children Erica (Bill Grove) Jensen, Risa (Brett) Weisensel, and Alex (Haley) Christiansen, grandchildren Robbie Jensen, Van Jensen, Emma (Mitch Kramer), Ryder (Kyleigh), and Sawyer Weisensel, Lizzie Christiansen, her five siblings, her mother-in-law, six siblings-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium. Private family burial will be in Clinton Cemetery.
In lieu of gifts or flowers, if you wish, please make donations to Tomorrow's Hope Parkinson's Support of Rock County or Willow Women's Center of Beloit