Mark Christians
November 5, 1956 - April 6, 2016
From: Ankeny, IA
Mark Christians, age 59, of Ankeny, Iowa, died Wednesday, April 6, 2016, at Select Specialty Hospital in Des Moines.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2016, at Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme, Iowa, with Pastor Donna J. Buckman officiating. Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Ankeny Funeral Home, 1510 West 1st Street, Ankeny, Iowa, and will resume at the church on Sunday one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme.
Born November 5, 1956, in Mason City, Iowa, Mark Samuel Alan Christians was the son of Duane and Iona (Wernet) Christians. He grew up in the Klemme area and graduated from Klemme High School in 1975. He then attended Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo for two years. Mark worked as a tool and die maker at John Deere Des Moines Works in Ankeny for 26 years. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
On April 15, 2010, he was married to Beth Livingston in Des Moines.
Mark enjoyed watching Iowa Hawkeye sports, playing guitar, driving his Corvette, and riding his motorcycle. He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, who were certain to put a smile on his face.
Survivors include his wife, Beth; three children, Iveree (Neil) Hoth of Batavia, IL and children Evan and Lexi, Ashlee Christians of Budapest, Hungary, and Brady Christians of Denver, CO; three step-children, Luke (Kirstyn) Held of Chanhassen, MN and sons Mitchell and Nicholas, Matt (Taylor) Held of New Virginia and children Kaydence, Chase, and Rheagun, and Tyler Held of Riverside, CA; his mother and step-father, Iona and Harlan Nuehring of Mason City; a brother, Greg (Cheryl) Christians of Mason City; and two sisters, Patty Scott of Cedar Falls, and Beth (Jamie) Schmidt of Garner. Mark is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members, as well as a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Duane; and two brothers, Randy and Chuck.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Mark and his family.
Condolences
Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 10:33 AM
“We were so shocked and saddened to learn of Mark's passing. John worked with Mark for many years at Deere and when retired would drive Mark to dialysis many times when we lived close. In 2011, we moved out of Ankeny and unfortunately lost track of time and failed to stay in touch. Mark was a fighter and a wonderful person as well as a great co-worker. He went through so much at such a young age. We know in spirit, he'll be cheering on his beloved Hawkeyes. RIP Mark and fly high from all the love you left here on earth.
John & Lynda Shields
Earlham, IA”
- John & Lynda Shields
Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at 11:53 AM
“Our sincere sympathy to Mark's family. He always had a smile and time to chat. What a wonderful person. Sorry we couldn't be at the funeral........ but my piano recital was that day. You were in our thoughts and prayers. ”
- Curt & Diane Stadtlander
Monday, April 11, 2016 at 9:46 AM
“On behalf of the Nuehring family, I wish to extend our sincere condolences to Mark's entire family! Even thought I have not seen Mark in many years, I recall how much fun we had as kids growing up at church events and all through our years at Klemme High.
The suffering has now ended; may he rest in peace.”
- Joyce (Nuehring) Kelly
Monday, April 11, 2016 at 9:46 AM
“High school was not always easy for me personally, but Mark was a great person who always made me and many others feel like we belonged. I always think of him as one of the wonderful Klemme High School band buddies. We had such fun and there was such pride in having a good band, especially marching band. Years later we would cross paths and joke that it was one of the only KHS activities where we won trophies. . . or won anything for that matter. Many stories revolve around band days and the jokes and fun we all had. We had to wear spats and all kinds of stuff and sometimes the band mothers and their demands that we keep the spats spotless could get us laughing. We joked about spats at the 2010 reunion and wondered where they went.
Mark was so kind and friendly, he had a great sense of humor, he looked out for those of us who were bullied, he had a wonderful smile and a hearty laugh that I can still hear. I wrote for community papers as a teenager (not the cool thing to do) and he always complimented me and teased me about getting his name in the paper.
He always took an interest in others despite his many years of health struggles. He always had a hug when we'd cross paths as adults.
At the school reunion, I was trying to figure out where to sit and eat. My partner was at his own school reunion and I was trying to keep things organized and not be overwhelmed when Mark grabbed my arm and invited me to join him and friends Jim and Cindy Leighty Eenhuis. What a nice time we had that evening. visiting and catching up. Jim and Mark are gone now.
Hugs and kind thoughts and prayers to his entire family including my friends, his sisters Beth Schmidt and Patty Scott. We lost one of the good ones. if there are lessons in his life, the ones for me is that you have to stay strong in the face of suffering. And that kindness matters and it's a great legacy to leave..”
- Jane McClure
Monday, April 11, 2016 at 9:44 AM
“I am so sorry! May all Mark's family and friends find comfort in happy memories.”
- Peg McClure
Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 9:47 AM
“To all of Marks' family, I am so sorry to hear of his passing, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all and wishing that the many fond memories you shared with Mark will help to carry you through this difficult time.”
- Gary Clabaugh
Friday, April 8, 2016 at 12:29 PM
“Our deepest sympathy to Mark's wife, children, and many others. He always had a smile on his face and was such a positive person to be around. He brought such genuine happiness to all who had the honor of calling him their friend. Praying for you all and our thoughts are with you, let us know if there is anything you need. ”
- Nick, Jenn, and Eli Hutton
Friday, April 8, 2016 at 12:29 PM
“Sympathy to the family of Mark Christians! I'm sure he will be missed!”
- Arlys Arnold
Friday, April 8, 2016 at 12:29 PM
“As a family, we have so many happy memories of Mark. He always had a joke to tell and had the most pleasant disposition, no matter what he may have been facing at the time. His smile was simply infectious. Many a sunny day, we remember Mark pulling up the driveway in his latest toy and letting us take it for a spin. We have burns from his motorcycle and had driving lessons in his Corvette, but best yet, was how we all just remember standing around telling stories and laughing until our sides ached.
He is irreplaceable and will be profoundly missed.
Love and prayers to all the family and friends,
The Maertens Family”
- Sarah (Maertens) Betlach
Friday, April 8, 2016 at 9:54 AM
“Deepest sympathy to all of Mark's family at this difficult time. Ron & Beverly Christiance Hummel”
- Ron & Beverly Hummel
Friday, April 8, 2016 at 9:54 AM
“My thoughts and prayers are with all of Mark's family at this sad time. ”
- Beth Roths
Friday, April 8, 2016 at 9:54 AM
“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the Christians family. Mark's smile and laugh will always be remembered.”
- Brian & Mary Jo Hamrick
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