Robert Christianson

Robert Dale Christianson, 96, of Buffalo Center, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in his home. Visitation will be at 9:30 a.m. before the service on Wednesday, May 14. Services are planned for 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 183 2nd Ave. in Thompson with Pastor Rod Hopp officiating. A luncheon will take place immediately following the service, with private inurnment later in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Bob was born on July 17, 1928, and lived his entire life on the family farm west of Thompson until moving to Buffalo Center in 2021. Bob graduated from Thompson High School in 1946, then left to serve his country in the Air Force for four years as an airplane mechanic. He returned to the family farm and farmed his entire life alongside his brother, Gene.

On the farm, Bob set up a woodworking shop where he crafted woodwork and many beautiful pieces of furniture from oak, walnut, cherry, and hickory. Bob was an avid reader, and his memory was so sharp that his reminiscing while in conversation with his grandkids and great-grandkids kept them fascinated.

Bob and Joan were married on December 24, 1975, and he gained four children and a grandson with that union, which then grew to 12 grandchildren and 23 (soon 24) great-grandchildren. Bob and Joan enjoyed all their travels together, especially visiting cousins in Norway, fishing in Canada, and spending 20 years in their winter home in Arizona, close to family. Bob and Joan would have celebrated their 50th anniversary at the end of this year.

Bob is survived by his wife, Joan, and their children: Deb Wirth, Kristi (Chuck) Osheim, Todd (Patty) Smith, and daughter-in-law Susan Smith (Myron Lupkes). Surviving grandchildren are Jason (Sarah) Wirth, Mike (Andrea) Wirth, Tim (Jessa) Wirth, Jenell (Justin) Sachs, Tyler Smith, Laura (Matt) Rodgers, Jill (Blake) Jones, Lisa (Matt) Brozik, Amy (Ross) Long, Emily Smith (Matt Roemmich), Alison (Hayden) Bishop, and Andrew Smith. Surviving great-grandchildren are Max, Jakob, Creighton, Lincoln, Granite, Jasper, Ruby, Rock, Jewell, Slater, Jones, Fitz, Ada, Beckett, Owen, Isla, Merrick, Greta, Joe, Bethenny, Aaron, Miley, and Everly Joan. He is also survived by his niece, Darci Martin, and nephew, Tim Stumm, and their families; his sisters-in-law Lois Redeker, LaVonne (Arnold) Grunhovd, Mary Mathews, Judy (Duane) Gudmonson, Diane (Larry) Eide; and a brother-in-law Koreen Askeland. Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Gene Christianson; his sister, Clarice [Pat] and her husband, Mel Stumm; his stepson, Randy Smith; stepson-in-law, John Wirth; and sister-in-law, Karen Askeland.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Buffalo Center Ambulance Service c/o Troy Armstrong, 303 3rd Street SW, Buffalo Center, Iowa 50424.