KLEMME BOOK

Keith R. Christians

1944 - 2023


Keith R. Christians, 79, of Garner passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, July 12, 2023. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am, Monday, July 17, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 810 State St in Garner with Rev. Scott Kozisek officiating. Burial will be at Concord Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 3 to 5 pm at the Cataldo Funeral Home-Garner Chapel,160 E. 4th St in Garner. Memorials may be directed in his name to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garner or St. Croix Hospice. Keith Roger Christians, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Havlik) Christians, was born on April 29, 1944, at Rust Maternity House in Garner, Iowa. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1962. The summer after graduating from high school he met Barbara Peterson at the Klemme Roller Rink. On March 2, 1963, they were married at Ellington Prairie Lutheran Church parsonage north of Garner. They lived southeast of Garner where they raised their two sons, David and Kevin. Keith was a hardworking individual who dedicated the majority of his life to farming. In addition to farming, Keith also pursued a career in trucking for over 20 years, both locally and over the road. In 1997 he and Barb moved from the farm to Garner. Keith had a variety of hobbies and interests that brought him joy throughout the years. He enjoyed tinkering with his truck, took great pleasure in riding motorcycles, and earlier in life earned his pilot’s license to fly small planes. He was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church and served on the Hancock County Co-op board for many years. Keith is survived by his wife, Barbara of Garner; two sons David (Kristie) Christians of Garner and Kevin (Stacy) Christians of Coralville; five grandchildren Aaron (Beth) Christians, Alicia (Zack) Tannahill, Gray, Dane, and Maeve Christians; and three great-grandchildren Emersyn, Brooks, and Hudson. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Kenny Peterson (Marcia Monson) of Clear Lake; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and parents-in-law, Allen and Arlene Peterson. Visitation Cataldo Funeral Home-Garner Chapel Sunday, July 16, 2023 3:00 - 5:00pm (Central time) Funeral Service St Paul Lutheran Church Monday, July 17, 2023 10:30 - 11:30am (Central time)