September 28, 1950 – January 8, 2026
Robert Simon “Bob” Christians, 75, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, in Swaledale, Iowa.
Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE Mason City, IA, with Pastor Kim Wills officiating from Zion St. John Lutheran Church of Sheffield, IA. Burial will be held at the Zion St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery, Sheffield, Iowa.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel.
The family kindly requests that memorials be directed to them.
Bob was born on September 28, 1950, in Waverly, Iowa, the son of Simon and Ella (Ulrich) Christians. He grew up in the Allison area and attended West Point #4 country school where he skipped kindergarten due to being the only child in his class. Bob graduated from Allison-Bristow High School in 1968. While in high school he attended Boys State and received the Danforth Award at graduation.
Following high school, Bob attended NIACC. In his younger years, he worked for various farmers in the surrounding area, where he developed a strong work ethic and practical skills that remained with him throughout his life.
Bob met the love of his life, Alberta Liekweg, through simply throwing a snowball. That beginning marked the start of a lifelong partnership. Bob and Alberta were married on September 16, 1973, at Zion St. John Lutheran Church in Sheffield, Iowa. Together, they were blessed with three children.
Bob began his long and dedicated career with AMPI in 1970. He worked faithfully for 37 years before retiring in 2007. Outside of work, he was known for his ability to fix just about anything, especially small engines. He spent countless hours repairing lawn mowers, often helping others along the way. He also took great pride in his yard, enjoying gardening and carefully maintaining his lawn. More recently, he found joy in making birdhouses and bird feeders. In his younger years Bob also enjoyed pheasant hunting with his siblings, brother-in-law, and son.
Above all else, Bob cherished his role as a grandfather. His grandkids have fond memories of learning to play Uncle Wiggly, attempting to win the cool prizes he put in the claw machine, and trying to beat him at Jeopardy. He rarely missed an event, enjoyed following his grandchildren’s activities, and kept up with their lives online. He always knew what they were up to and took great pride in each of them.
Bob is survived by his wife of over 52 years, Alberta; his three children, Jeffrey (Lisa) Christians of Sioux Rapids, Jennifer Behr of Rockwell, and Jessica (Travis) Hurd of Mason City; grandchildren Colin & Ian Christians, Carter & Brett Behr, Nolan and Madelyn Hurd; his siblings and their spouses, Dennis Christians, Diane (Richard) Schoonover, Dianne Christians, Ronald (Donna) Christians, Connie (Calvin) Rottink, Karla (Bryan) Voss, Dale (Noreen) Christians, Steve (Missy) Christians; brother in-law, Gene (Connie) Liekweg; 17 nieces & nephews; several great nieces & nephews; and multiple extended family members.
Bob was preceded in death by his infant sister Mary Ellen; parents, Simon & Ella Christians; his in-laws, August & Helen Liekweg; sister & brother-in-law, Beverly (Ron) Westendorf; brother, Donald Christians; nephews, Landon Schoonover & Greg Rottink; son-in-law, Cory Behr.
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