Mark James Christianson

MADISON – Mark J. “Chico” Christianson, age 60, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, March 18, 2015. He was born on Sept. 15, 1954, in Stevens Point, the son of Leonard and Margie (Shibilski) Christianson. He married Sheyrl (Sherry) Noonan on April 29, 1994 in Madison. My husband of 21 years, Mark, was always a maverick. It began when he was a child and continued until his untimely death. I heard many stories of childhood and military mischievousness. This was the Mark many of you knew. I want to tell you about the Mark I knew and came to love. He was a kind, caring and compassionate person. He could talk with anyone and they were immediately considered his friend. Mark was an over-the-road truck driver for most of his career. He knew his way around both the East and West coasts, but at times had problems navigating his own home town. He knew every truck stop along his routes and would share his reviews with anyone who would listen. He was the world’s best at backing up a trailer to the loading dock and did not have much patience with drivers who could not get it right the first time. He was proud of all the safety awards he earned while driving. After several back surgeries in 2004 he was forced to retire but it was not until 2014 that he finally relinquished his treasured Chauffer’s license which included several endorsements. It broke his heart when he finally acknowledged he would no longer drive semi. Another favorite job was volunteering at Josie’s outdoor stand on home football Saturdays. He liked being the “General” in charge of Josie’s small parking lot and made sure the regulars had a place to park. He was a gracious host for many get togethers and usually took charge of clean up so I could enjoy our company. He was also a willing participant at many other parties and never ran out of stories to tell that would make everyone laugh. Mark was stubborn, kind and loving, all at the same time. He never missed a holiday and spent a lot of time picking out the perfect card for me. He would randomly bring home flowers because he knew how much I liked them. He would also surprise some of my female friends with flowers, particularly on Valentine’s Day. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years, fishing and traveling. His favorite destinations were Mexico, Laughlin and any city with a casino. He was unable to enjoy many of the things he liked to do because of his chronic back and neck pain. I hope there is fishing in his afterlife! Mark was an inventor of sorts, and collected “stuff”. He liked to repurpose his treasures in ways I could not imagine. He liked tinkering with small engines and rescued many lawn mowers, snow blowers and other equipment from the curb. Mark’s motto was if you have one of something, two or more of the same thing was better. He always knew that if he couldn’t use it, someone else could. Mark was a proud member of the US Army serving during the Vietnam War era as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was also a member of the American Legion and Severson-Cairns Post 501. Mark suffered during his last several years but I choose to remember the Mark who finally came to terms with his disability and was getting healthier. I will remember the Mark who cheerfully greeted me at the airport the night of March 11, 2015 and was taken from me a short time later. Mark – may you rest in peace and be free of your pain bondage. He is survived by his wife, Sherry; siblings, Len (Shirley) Christianson, Linda Christianson, Janice (David) Kropidlowski, and Carl Christianson; many friends, nieces and nephews; and his beloved Puggles, Lucy and Harley. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Len Pedruski; and his inspirational Beagle, Samantha. Funeral service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2015, with military honors to follow. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Monday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the UW Veterinary Hospital, UW Carbone Center or Hospice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Dr. (608) 221-5420