Warren L. "Chris" Christianson

On April 16, 2024, fittingly close to high noon, Warren L. “Chris” Christianson passed away suddenly in a fashion much like he lived – unequivocally. His failure to make it home for lunch with his beloved wife Marlys at the promised hour of 1 pm was, she noted, the first time he’d ever “stood her up” in their 70+ years of marriage. 

Chris was born into a loving and gregarious family in November 1929 in Britton, South Dakota. He was the youngest of the six children of Mary Elizabeth (“Mayme”) Masse Christianson and Emil S. Christianson. He grew up in Cogswell, North Dakota, where he excelled in sports at Cogswell High School. He attended the University of North Dakota before transferring to Valley City State Teachers College. While attending Valley City, he met and began dating Marlys Knutson. Their 73-year love affair started when he offered a ride to Marlys and three other co-eds, as they walked back to their dorm. 

Chris and Marlys married in August 1953 while Chris was a cadet at the Pensacola Naval Air Station. They eloped and were married in the Catholic Church in Biloxi, Mississippi. 

Chris enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1952 and was awarded his wings in February 1954. Flying was his second love and he felt almost as passionate about it as he did about Marlys. He served as a naval aviator in the United States Navy and Naval Reserves for 20 years, retiring as a Lt. Commander. He was a Commercial Pilot for Braniff International for 35 years, achieving the rank of Captain on the Boeing 747. He flew during the golden era of aviation, and always said “it beat working for a living.” 

He was a great husband, wonderful father and grandfather, loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He loved his family dearly and took enormous pride in his three children, Catherine Fugit (Mark), Shawn Christianson (Philip McLeod) and Clay Christianson (Nanette) and six grandchildren, Hailey Fugit, Brent Fugit (Mirtha), Spencer McLeod (Madison), Connor McLeod (Isabella), Chas Christianson and Gus Christianson. For him, family came first. 

He was a faithful Roman Catholic, an avid Dallas Cowboys fan, and a fierce patriot. He was also a proud member of the Sons of Norway, Elks, Airline Pilots Association, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA”), for which he served as the President of the Redwood Empire Chapter. He also served on the City of Santa Rosa’s Parks and Recreation Commission. 

Donations in Chris’ memory are preferred to the MOAA Scholarship Fund, attn: Susan Linch, MOAA Redwood Empire Chapter, P.O. Box 2801, Santa Rosa, CA 95405 or the American Cancer Society, in memory of Chris Christianson. 

A Memorial Mass will be held in May at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, followed by a reception. 

Chris lived a long, extraordinary life, and to almost his last breath, he was on the move, getting things done. We will miss him every day, but will carry his memory, spirit, and love in our hearts forever.

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