Leif Christiansen, Sr.

Leif Normann Christiansen, Sr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, 69, of Oshkosh passed away at the Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala, NE after a 7 month long battle with lung cancer.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial services will be held at a later date in California.

A memorial has been established in Leif’s name to the Oshkosh Library or to the Adopt-A-Dog in Chappell.

Family and friends can leave condolences at www.holechekfuneralhomes.com.

Leif was born on May 4, 1946 in Langesund, Norway the only son of Leif and Eleonora (Johannsen) Christiansen and brother to Ruth Freddie (Christiansen) Salaway.

Leif immigrated to America with his family when he was only 6 weeks old and came to call Los Angeles County, California his home.

When Leif was in high school he met his future bride Ida Mary Eakin and they would wed after graduation on July 25, 1964. Leif and Ida would be married for just shy of 51 years. During their life together they had two children, Inger Marie and Leif, Jr and 5 grandchildren, Phillip and Haley Benson and Christopher, Karli Ann and Emily Christiansen.

Amongst being an electrician, volunteer EMT, working at Marshalltown and the Oshkosh Feedyard Leif enjoyed being a long haul truck driver. He loved the open road and the people he met. Someone had said “He never met a stranger who didn’t become a friend.” Leif was always quick with a smile and a joke and he tried to get the most out of life.

But Leif’s biggest contribution was to his family. Leif showed his family what real love looked like, what compassion and charity looked like and through him we all got to see a glimpse of heaven. He was the most amazing man.

He is survived by his wife, Ida, children, Inger and Leif Jr. and wife, Susana, grandchildren, Phillip, Haley, Christopher, Karli Ann and Emily, his beloved pets, Mr. Whiskers, Fancyface and Shadow, and many other family member and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.