Norman “Chris” Christianson

Norman “Chris” Clinton Christianson, 78, of Issaquah, WA passed away at home January 27, 2023 of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Chris was born in Waukon April 14, 1944 to Hilma Corneilia (Larson) and Andrew Cornelius Christianson. He worked the family farm in Waukon after graduating from high school. Chris served in the United States Navy and the Marines as a hospital corpsman from 1966 to 1970. He was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V” for meritorious service while serving in Vietnam.

Toward the end of his military career, he was stationed at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo, CA. There he met Gayle Shapiro and they married five months later. Chris and Gayle lived most of their lives and raised their two sons in Vallejo, CA.

Chris spent his entire career as a respiratory care practitioner with Kaiser Permanente, serving in several management positions. Chris had varied interests, including gardening, cars, tinkering, and following Bay Area sports teams. He enjoyed good food and travel, and he also loved spending time with friends and family. He was a quintessential caregiver, both professionally and personally. He loved spending time with his two granddaughters and was proud of his nickname, “GG” (Goofy Grandpa).

Chris is survived by his wife of 52 years, Gayle; his sons, Jaron (Erin) and Ryan (Jing); his granddaughters, Sydney and Isabella; his brother, Carmen (Marge) Christianson; his sister, Vivian (David) Benjegerdes; his sister-in-law, Charlotte Christianson; his sister-in-law, Arlene Elliott; his sister-in-law, Lynn Shapiro; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Hilman (Lillian), Clifton and Virgil Christianson; and his sisters, AnaRuth Bechtel, Ione Rema and Margaret (Alton) Herman; and his brother-in-law, Garry Shapiro.

We would like to thank the Veterans Administration Hospital Puget Sound, in particular the ALS team, for their unending empathy and compassion. Additionally, we want to thank Thomas Ajuoga for his tremendous work and caring support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd., Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209 or through donation@als.org.