Donald James Christiansen

Donald James Christiansen, Palisade, MN passed away on May 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by loved ones. Don was born on February 13, 1949 in Aitkin the son of Art and Eleanor (Keath) Christiansen. He grew up in Palisade;  graduating  from Aitkin High School in 1967. Don entered the Airforce and served in England during the Vietnam War. He was a proud veteran and always loved planes.  Don married the love of his life Elissa (Lisa) Bryan on April 5, 2014 after an eighteen year courtship. During their 29 year relationship Don welcomed his step daughter Tammy and his four grandchildren with love. He was a dedicated grandpa the kids called Don Don who never missed an event for the kids.  Don worked construction several years until an accident severely damaged his back. Later he worked with probation officers in Aitkin and Duluth. He retired and lived full-time at his house in Palisade enjoying his gardens, pets, woodworking, leatherwork and family time. He was a history buff and always had the news or the history channel on TV.  Don was a proud member of the Palisade Mountain Men. He had many elaborate mountain man outfits that he embellished with his leatherwork. He could often be seen in a stove pipe hat during Palisade parades and would shoot off his cannon at the start. Don loved the outdoors and camping. He often went camping or traveling on his own all around the country, but especially enjoyed an annual kayak trip on the Willow and Mississippi river. Don was a life long Democrat hosting fundraisers, attending meetings and talking with people about his views. Don served on the Logan Township Board and the Aitkin County DFL Board.  He was preceded in death by his parents Art and Eleanor Christiansen, brothers Dick and Dean Christianson, and great-grandchild Theodore Wickstrom.

Don is survived by his wife of 11 years, Lisa Bryan; Stepdaughter Tammy (Scott) Wickstrom, Four Grandchildren: Matthias (Brandie) Wickstrom, Lucas Wickstrom, Levi Wickstrom, and Gillian Wickstrom; One Great-Grandchild Finley James Wickstrom; Sister Julie (Ron) Flint, Two Sisters in-law: Barb Christiansen and Sue Christiansen and many loved nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be 11:00am - Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Palisade.  Military Honors Will be accorded by Palisade VFW Post #1721.   Visitation will be 5 to 7pm - Monday, May 26 at Sorensen-Root-Thompson Funeral Home in Aitkin and will continue 1 hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Palisade. To leave a message of condolence please go to www.srtfuneral.com

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