John Christians

John Christians, Jr., age 82, of Aplington, Iowa, formerly of Parkersburg, Iowa, was born the son of John and Mattie (Rinnels) Christians Sr. on November 25, 1939, on a farm near Shell Rock, Iowa, in Butler County. John attended and graduated from Finchford High School in Finchford, Iowa. He then attended police academy at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa.
On August 23, 1969, John was united in marriage with Karen Louise Busching at St. John Lutheran Church in Nashua, Iowa. The couple made their home in Janesville, Iowa, for a year and then moved to Parkersburg. John was a police officer at University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and retired in 2002, after working there for 30 years. John and Karen also owned and operated a floral shop in Parkersburg for a short time.
John was a member of the Parkersburg United Methodist Church. He enjoyed gardening, helped at the Butler County Fair and was an avid UNI Sports Booster. John also showed rabbits and helped at Bancroft Flowers. He was a very social person and loved visiting with everyone. One of John’s greatest joys was attending his grandchildren’s activities.
John passed away Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Maple Manor Assisted Living in Aplington, Iowa. John was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Karen on July 16, 2018; his parents, John and Mattie Christians, Sr.; three brothers, Simon, Eddie and Chris Christians; and three sisters, Christina Hoodjer, Nellie Hogenkamp and Helen Harris.
John is survived by three children, Tammie Sheeley of Cedar Falls, Darin (Sara) Christians of Howards Grove, Wisconsin and Heather (Grant) Keseberg of Waverly, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Lexi and Lakin Sheeley, Mitchell and Alec Christians, Caitlyn, Brittney, Kwintyn and Kyler Keseberg; one sister, Mattie Schwab of Grundy Center, Iowa and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, at the Parkersburg United Methodist Church in Parkersburg, with Pastor Chan Kim officiating the service. Organist was Amy Truax and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “Amazing Grace” and “In The Garden”. Special music, “I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You” sung by Alan Jackson was played. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Parkersburg, with Darin Christians, Brad Myers, Steve Potratz, Kevin Schwab, Dennis Christians and Ron Christians serving as Casketbearers. Honorary Casketbearers were Rod Schwab, Bob Christians, Dale Christians, Steve Christians, Roger Hoodjer, Brian Myers, Derek Potratz and Ryan Miller.
Visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg and one hour before services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family. Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com