Edward Junior Christiansen was born May 15, 1925, in Barton County, Kansas to Amelia and Edward Christiansen. He was the youngest of 10 children. Before he started school, the family moved to Colorado and lived southwest of Buckeye on what is now known as the Manning place. Later they moved to Manter, where Junior met his wife Helen O'Brate. They were married on September 7, 1945, and made their home in an old basement on land northwest of Buckeye, owned by Wilson Denney.

The farming relationship with Denney proved to be a long and mutually beneficial one and it wasn't long before Junior built a new basement home and various other farm buildings. The couple had five children and eventually, running water, indoor plumbing, electricity and a phone were added to the basement home. The farming years were not always generous, with some harvests being completed without needing side boards in the truck.

The family scrimped and saved and endured the lean years with Helen teaching and by growing much of their own food. In 1964, Junior and Helen were able to make their first land purchase and, with improved farming practices, continued to acquire additional acres, equipment and cattle. A new home was built west of Buckeye and the couple enjoyed several years of developing the property and entertaining relatives, friends and neighbors. Junior retired from farming and ranching in the late 90's but continued to help where needed and could be relied upon to help with cattle, or to arrive at a field just when it was time to move equipment to a new location.

After Helen entered the Walsh Healthcare Center, Junior continued to reside at the farm with his dog, Meg, the shed kitty and many bunnies and birds. He was always faithful to visit Helen and take her out on dates. By his own choice, he joined her at the Healthcare Center when his health began to fail. He quickly filled the hearts of his caregivers and the resident dog, Hobo. He made frequent day trips to the farm to spend time with his dog, Meg and to be where he loved to be. On November 11, 2010, he died after a short battle with cancer.

He is survived by his wife, Helen; daughters Connie Spelts of Windsor; Trudy Koehn of Springfield; Donna Christiansen of Greeley; and son, Kyle of Manter, Kansas; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; his dog, Meg; and many wonderful neighbors, friends and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings and a son, Ray Don.