John Christian
John Christian
John Christian died peacefully at home in Baraboo, Wisconsin on March 9, 2016 after a valiant struggle with Alzheimer's disease. His passion for life, love of his family and friends, and his zest in living was an inspiration to everyone who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Marliese Christian, who will very much miss his companionship after fifty-eight years of marriage. She tirelessly cared and assisted him as he struggled with his progressive illness.
John was born to Peter and Margaret Christian on September 22, 1930 and grew up in Tating, Germany with his two sisters, Inge Sievers and Friedel Brehm both whom preceded him in death. Leaving post war Germany, he took his single suitcase and immigrated to the United States working on his uncle's (Louis Flor) farm near DeWitt, Iowa. He then served in the United States Army as part of the occupation troops in his native Germany. Soon after returning, he met his wife Marliese Christian and they were married on June 1, 1957 and resided in Davenport, Iowa. For over thirty years he worked as a millwright mechanic at the Aluminum Company of America Davenport works. He very much enjoyed his work and family life. He is survived by his daughter, Dorothy Christian and partner Regula Berger of Basel, Switzerland, his son and daughter-in-law, Roland Christian and Johanna Christian of Green Bay, Wisconsin who will greatly miss his quick wit and sense of humor.John and Marliese were both involved in the German cultural organization DANK which promoted German language and culture. John served as treasurer of the Quad Cities DANK group for many years. John and Marliese both very much enjoyed music and dancing. He was also a great harmonica player who played an endless progression of German Folk songs. The couple eventually moved to Baraboo, Wisconsin when John retired and Baraboo quickly became their new hometown. John and the family built a home on an acreage near Baraboo where the couple spent most of their retirement years. John was a regular member of the American Legion Post 26 and the VFW of Baraboo. He always enjoyed serving in the honor guard and helping fry brats for fundraising events. John and Marliese enjoyed many wonderful years "up on the hill" with their four grandchildren, Sarah Christian, Laura Christian, Johannes Christian, and Karlton Christian-Williams. He immensely enjoyed his grandchildren and was present at all their life events. The grandkids will dearly miss their departed Opa.A special thanks to the residents and staff of Oak Park Place in Baraboo for all their help and support in these difficult times. Also special thanks to Agrace Hospice of Baraboo and the Golden Living facility in Wisconsin Dells for their excellent care of John. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations in memory of John Christian to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, 517 N. Segoe Road, Suite 301, Madison, Wisconsin 53705 or online at www.alzwisc.org. Funeral Services will be held at 1pm on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at the Redlin Funeral Home, 401 Madison Ave. Baraboo with Pastor Karen Hofstad officiating. Visitation will be held from 11am until the time of service a the funeral home. He will be buried at the Davenport Memorial Park in Davenport, IA.