Robert A Christiansen

Born March 20, 1924 in Chicago to Thorwald N. and Frances M. (Enger) Christiansen, he married Emma Kathryn Melcher on September 6, 1952 in Springfield. She survives.

Also surviving is his son, Paul A. Christiansen of Pekin

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Thomas Christiansen; and one sister, Marjorie (Hudson) Wirth.

He was a World War II Army veteran, serving with the 113th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion from February 23, 1943 to December 22, 1945 in the European Theater, including the Battle of the Bulge.

Bob retired from Caterpillar, Inc. in 1984 after 12 years of service in literature distribution. He previously worked for Thomas A. Edison Industries for 25 years.

He was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where he was the Sunday School Secretary for 33 years and a member of the Tri-M Adult Sunday School Class.

He also was a member of the Caterpillar Retirees Club.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2006at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where visitation will be one hour before. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.

Burial of ashes will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 1, 2006at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin, with military rites accorded by the U.S. Army and the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554; Salvation Army, 243 Derby Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or to the Peoria Rescue Ministries, P.O. Box 837, Peoria, IL 61652-0837.