Richard Nels Christianson, 77, of Galesburg, formerly of Williamsfield, Illinois, died at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at the Kensington in Galesburg.
Nels was born February 10, 1946 in Galesburg, the son of Henry Arvid and C. Louise (Gustafson) Christianson. He graduated from Galesburg High School with the class of 1964. Nels was a US Veteran, proudly serving his country from 1966 to 1968, when he was honorably discharged from the US Army; he served as a medic in Germany. He married Peggy Oliver on June 21, 1974. They later divorced. He then married Mary Jane Crouch on December 29, 1989. She preceded him in death on January 19, 2015.
Nels is survived by his sons, Nathan (Heather) Christianson of Lincolnton, North Carolina and Juston Christianson of Peoria, Illinois; one stepson, Jeremy (Beth) Yelm of Caseyville, Illinois; one sister, Joyce (Terry) Jackson of Galesburg; and three grandchildren, Oliver, Izabel, and Brinley.
Nels worked for the Honda Dealership, and later Dom’s Kawasaki, both in Galesburg. He then worked for Wight Chevrolet in Williamsfield. He was an over the road truck driver for twenty-five years, working for PODS and Bertis Carlson Trucking until his retirement in February of 2015.
He was an avid Chicago Bears fan, enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends, and going to yard sales. Nels also loved to watch motorcycle racing and attend car shows. He loved cats, especially his cat, Punk. Nels enjoyed being with his grandchildren as much as possible.
Cremation has been accorded. Private family services and burial of cremated remains will be held at Williamsfield Cemetery, Williamsfield, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
