John Ira Christiansen

John was born April 12, 1937, in Ephraim, Utah, to Ira and Vivian Christiansen.

He was an only child. John’s father died while serving in the Navy during World War II when John was 6, Raising John was accomplished with the help of his maternal grandparents, Ernest and Mille Beal.

John met the love of his life, JoAnn Kay, while attending Snow College in Ephraim. They were married Dec. 19, 1959. John and JoAnn continued their education at Utah State University. While there they welcomed their first son, Johnny, in 1961. He graduated with his bachelor’s of social work in 1962. They then moved to Seattle, where he graduated with a master’s in social work from the University of Washington in 1964. After receiving his degree the family moved to Walla Walla and he began working for Children’s Home Society of Washington. His daughter, Stephanie, was born in 1966. After a few years John went to work for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. In 1972 his son, Matthew, completed the family. The majority of his career was focused on Child Protective Services. For many years his daily routine included morning coffee with friends at Merchants. He retired in 1999.

He was a private man with a strong moral character and he spent his life in public service to the community he choose to make his home.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn; his son, Johnny (R’chelle) Christiansen and their children Ryan and Ayden; his daughter, Stephanie (Randy) Fazzari and their children Samuel, Sophia, Joanna and Caroline; and his son, Matthew (Tawnya) Christiansen and their children Delia, Lola and Loudon.

Viewing will be Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, between 10 a.m. and noon at Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens, 300 S.E. Myra Road, College Place.