J. Robert Christianson

J. Robert Christianson of Edgewater Dr., Mishawaka, died at 10:50 p.m. Monday, June 17, 1996 in his residence.

Mr. Christian-son was born March 29, 1909 in Mishawaka, Ind.

On Feb. 26, 1938, he married Louise B. Testolin in Superior, Wis.

Louise survives along with three daughters, Louise Christianson of Neah-kah-Nie, Ore.; Sister Roberta Christianson, P.H.J.C. of Germany; Sister Jean Christianson, P.H.J.C. of Donald-son, Ind.; one son, John N. Christianson and one son, Robert B. Christianson, deceased. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Amy Jacoby and Steve Christianson, both of Indianapolis, Ind. Jean Christianson of Chicago, Ill., Jack and Patrick Christianson of Mishawaka; two brothers, Carl Christianson of Arlington, Va.; James Christianson of Ann Arbor, Mich.

Mr. Christianson was a member of the St. Monica Catholic Church of Mishawaka; Usher Club and Parish Council; Knights of Columbus Council 1878; Father Nieuwland Assembly 4th degree Knights of Columbus; St. Vincent DePaul Society Advisory Board; Sierra Club; Lay Apostle Crosier House of Studies, Fort Wayne, Ind.; past president and charter member of Mishawaka Exchange Club.

Mr. Christianson was past president and chairman of the Board of Christianson Furniture Corp. of Mishawaka. He was also founding member of the Down-town Mishawaka Association.

Mr. Christianson was hailed as one of the area's foremost authority on Abraham Lincoln, and frequently spoke on the subject. His Extensive collection of books and memorabilia is now housed at I.U.S.B. Library in the Robert and Louise Christianson Lincoln Room.

Mr. Christianson received the Mishawaka Man of the Year Award 1974. He was also the recipient of the George Award. He also received the Ancilla Distinguished Service Award of Ancilla College in 1981. He was an All State Center with the 1927 Mishawaka High School Football Team.

Mr. Christianson was on the Building Committee for Marion High School, John Young School and Emmons School.

Mr. Christianson was President of Peoples Federal Saving and Loan, was also on the Board of Directors for Valley American Bank, St. Joseph Hospital, Salvation Army, Childrens Museum, Mishawaka Historical Round Table, Credit Bureau of Mishawaka, and Director and Vice President of Mishawaka Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation is Wednesday 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Bubb Funeral Chapel North. Wake Service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. Services will be at 10 a.m. in the St. Monica Catholic Church, Mishawaka. Officiating Father William Sullivan, Co-celebrant Father Robert Yast. In-lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Ancilla College, P. O. Box 1, Donaldson, IN 46513 or Hospice of St. Joseph County.