Florene E. Christiansen

It is with great sadness our mother, grandmother, and great grandmother Florene (Flo/Chris) Christiansen, age 97 of Westfield, formerly of Kiel, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2025.

She was born Florene Ellen Prowse July 10th, 1928 in Three Rivers, Michigan. Part of a large family with 7 other siblings, she was the last surviving member of her brothers and sisters. Sadly at an early age she lost her parents to cancer and temporarily lived with her oldest sister and husband in Manitowoc.

She was a graduate of Manitowoc Lincoln High School and enjoyed playing cello in the orchestra. Shortly after graduation she lived with her foster parents in Milwaukee while she attended Layton School of Art (now MIAD).

During her time in Milwaukee attending art school, she met her future husband, Ray L. Christiansen, at a church bowling event.

The two lived in West Chicago for a couple of years while Ray was attending college, then moved to Milwaukee. After a number of years, they found the safe quiet town of Kiel where they raised a family as it grew.

In the early years she and Ray were involved as chaperones for their two oldest sons Scott and Kim’s various bands in the mid to late 60’s.

She was a wonderful mother and grandmother that was very involved in her children and grandchildren’s lives. Many times driving in bad weather to get them to and from school. She loved her family unconditionally.

Florene also had a love of cardinals and had many figurines and cards of them that she received as gifts over the years.

She was a wonderful cook and Wednesday’s became known for “spaghetti night”. Her oldest son Scott would make a point to visit mom whenever he was traveling near Kiel.

During her early years in Kiel she was also active in Marathon Bridge and Eastern Star clubs with her good friends. She belonged to the First Presbyterian Church in Kiel until she moved to Harris Villa (now named Lily Meadows) Assisted Living in Westfield, Wisconsin.

Florene loved living there and felt very comfortable…..with pride, she would often say “I have the best looking room”.

Florene was preceded in death by her husband Ray, son Kim, former daughter in law Brenda, grand daughter Deedra, siblings as well as many other friends.

Survivors include her sons, Scott Christiansen (Patti), Ross Christiansen (Vicki); granddaughters, Carri (Brian), Lesli (Ken), Kayla (Francisco), and grandsons Steve, Colin (Ruby). Great grandchildren Aiden, Karlee, Mason, Gio, Enzo, Sebastian, Otis and Mabel. A special thanks to Connie at Lily Meadows and family friends Don and Mary Lange, who were always caring and supportive of Florene while she was at Lily Meadows.

Cremation has already taken place and a small family celebration of life is planned for November 2025.

Please take a moment to view the online Tribute Wall. Send your condolences or share a memory of Florene with her family & friends.