Gerald (Gerry) A. Christiansen

Gerald (Gerry) A. Christiansen, age 69, long-time resident of Greenville, passed away Friday, October 7, 2016 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He showed remarkable strength and patience while fighting lymphoma for ten years, and again when diagnosed with an unrelated glioblastoma brain tumor this year. He was born May 16, 1947 in Greenville, the eldest child of Kenneth and Myrtle (Christensen) Christiansen. Graduating from Greenville Senior High School in 1965, Gerry soon embarked on a career in data processing spanning a period of 40 years. He began as a computer operator at Steketee’s in Grand Rapids, soon advanced to programmer/analyst at Computer Center Incorporated and at Greenville Products, and later progressed to IT manager for Eberhard Foods. Gerry continued his career as an independent contractor in computer programming with Diversified Computer Associates. Throughout his career, he was involved in developing many pioneering technologies. Gerry was married to Paula Johnstone on August 17, 1968. During their married life, they enjoyed traveling to antiques shows and shops, and collecting area postcards, glassware, and Victorian furniture. Together they shared an interest in local history and researching their families’ genealogies. Being a 5th generation Dane in America was a point of pride for Gerry. He was president of the South Sidney Cemetery Association, preserving a cemetery established by Danish immigrants, and he developed a comprehensive database of the 1200 burials there, as well as restoring dozens of tombstones. In 2011, Gerry and Paula were honored to be selected as Greenville Danish Festival Grand Marshals. For several years, Gerry and Paula volunteered for Friends of Flat River Community Library, sorting donated books and operating the used book store. He was an active member of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp 1, North Sidney Church & Cemetery Historical Association, and Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table. Gerry served as vice president of Friends of Forest Home Cemetery, researching Civil War veterans buried there and refurbishing their markers. Utilizing his computer background, Gerry volunteered as the Montcalm County Coordinator for the MIGenWeb site for 10 years, as well as creating and maintaining other local history websites. Gerry was loved by his family and friends, and was known for his dry, witty sense of humor. He enjoyed cooking, home restoration, and could cleverly fix anything. Surviving are his wife Paula and daughter Laura of Greenville, his parents Kenneth & Myrtle Christiansen of Eastport, his sister Mary Ann (Silas) Doctor of East Jordan, his brother David (Julie) Christiansen of Charlevoix, his aunt Genevieve Hansen, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A celebration of life will be held for Gerry at Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville on Thursday, October 13, 2016 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Private graveside services will be held at Forest Home Cemetery at a later date. Instead of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to Friends of South Sidney Cemetery, 108 W. South Street, Greenville. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Arrangements are by the Marshall Funeral Home, Greenville.