Carl August Christiansen

Born in Los Banos, California to OSCAR BEGTRUP CHRISTIANSEN (immigrated from Denmark at 23 years of age) and NETTIE CHRISTIANSEN (from Oklahoma).

Carl began as the first born in Merced County in 1931, which earned him his name and picture in the newspaper as well as winning many prizes.

Age one, Carl’s mother entered him into a baby contest and Carl won best looking baby which again he got his name and picture in the newspaper. Carl also won many prizes, money and a beautiful self- portrait.

Carl was the oldest of three children.

Raised in Los Banos, California, until 1943. He went to live with his mother’s sister, husband, and first cousin in Lake Tahoe, California, for one year. Carl blossomed that year, learning to snow ski and water ski. Lake Tahoe provided adventure and he enjoyed hiking in the mountains and being outside. Public school was fun and he did well. Carl’s aunt, being a school teacher, made sure all did their homework! The love of the mountains became a lifelong passion.

1945 was a pivotal time when the family uprooted from Los Banos, California, and moved to Castroville, California, (Monterey, County). Their new home was acreage with a home on the hill and a view of the Pacific Ocean. Carl attended Salinas high school, milked cows, feed the chickens, and horses. He also learned how to work on cars and was driving at age 14. They lived in the country and found it was a much easier way to get around.

1950 Carl worked for the Carmel, California, fire department. Location was on the 17- mile drive. He met many movie stars during his stent as a firefighter.

1951 Carl worked for the US forest department in Bradley, California; married and went on to have two children. Carl made a career change to Lawrence Livermore Lab in Livermore, California, and purchased their first home.

San Jose, California, was the next and final move. Carl became a Machinist for General Electric and retired in 1998.

Carl enjoyed in his spare time building hot rods and drag racing. He won many first places, received his name in the newspaper, and won many trophies and prizes. He also loved to: camp, water ski, fish, play ping pong, and swim. Many vacations were spent on Oceans, the Rivers, and Lakes of California with our boat.

Divorced in 1971 and Remarried in 1973; Carl remained married until her death in 2014.

During his second marriage, Carl enjoyed traveling abroad. He lived part time in San Jose and their second home in the mountains of Sonora, California. Yearly visits to his favorite spot in Lake Tahoe, California kept him busy. Carl also worked part time for the University of Stanford as a police guard keeping order at football games and events.

2017 Carl moved to Meridian, Idaho, and found home again. Carl loved living in Meridian and enjoyed all that was offered especially BINGO! Carl began to smile and laugh again.

Carl is survived by his daughter, Carole Webb; Son- in Law James Webb; and grandson, Bradley Webb.

Proceeded in death, his parents Oscar and Nettie; sister, Donna; brother, Robert; and son, Raymond.

Carl passed peacefully this past Easter Sunday at his home. He was among all his angels (caregivers), friends, and family.

May he rest in peace in the Lord’s presence. 

Mass will be held June 14th, at 8:30 A.M. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 829 SW Second Avenue, Ontario, Oregon. The interment will take place June 15th, located at Ketchum Cemetery, 11:00 A.M., 1026 N Main St. Ketchum, Idaho.