VICTOR RAY CHRISTIAN

July 28, 1934 - July 14, 2014

Victor was born in Reedsburg WI on July 28, 1934 to Oliver and Ione Christian and was the 5th of 14 children. He graduated from Reedsburg High School in 1953 and married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Wagner also of Reedsburg, on July 24, 1954. Victor proudly served in the US Army as an Engineer, spending an extended tour in South Korea following the Korean Conflict. His work history included time at Oscar Mayer, Alpenrose and Country Boy Dairies near Madison WI, Schiltz Farms Dairy of Caledonia and Borden Distributing of Baraboo WI. In 1979 Vic and Ruth returned to Caledonia and purchased Haugstad’s Confectionary while Vic was employed at Farm Power Equipment of Caledonia, finally retiring in 1997. Even more impressive than his work history was his dedication to his community through multiple organizations. Vic tirelessly volunteered at the Lions Club, American Legion, Chamber of Commerce, Caledonia Sno Gophers, Knights of Columbus and the National Wild Turkey Federation. After retirement, Vic and Ruth became permanent RV’ers, travelling across North America, from Alaska to Georgia to Quebec to California and even deep into Mexico. He spent time as a campground host near Zapata TX and at Camp Winnebago in Caledonia. Victor passed away peacefully on Monday, July 14, surrounded by his loving family at Gunderson Medical Center in La Crosse WI at the age of 79. Victor is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ruth, his daughter Teresa Holland (Dean), his sons Alan (Annette), Melvin (Mary), Jeff (Trish), Kurt (MaryAnn), Pat (Judy), Mark (Stacey), 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by brothers, Lewis, Glen, Henry, Jack, Marvin, Richard and Gene, and sisters Barbara and Vera. He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Rosemary, a brother Herbert, and sisters Helen, Cornelia, and Bonnie. He was also preceded in death by a grandson Joseph Christian Holland, granddaughter Allee Rae Christian, and great granddaughter Clara Rose Bjerke. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 am on Saturday July 19, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Father Matt Fasnacht will officiate and burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia with military honors by the American Legion. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 pm Friday at Holy Family Hall, next to the church, where a rosary will be said at 7:30 pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.