ALLEN, Bernice E. "Chris" (Christiansen) 1937-2019

CHRISTIANSEN, ALLEN, BEHRENDS

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 9/12/2019 at 09:04:08

“Chris” Bernice E. Allen, 82, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Ravenwood Specialty Care in Waterloo. Funeral services will be at Kearns Funeral Service with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 13. Burial will follow at the Orange Township Cemetery.

Chris was born February 21, 1937, the daughter of Elmer and Dena (Behrends) Christiansen in rural Pocahontas, Iowa. Chris participated in 4-H. Chris graduated from Pocahontas High School and received degrees from Buena Vista College in Elementary Education, Concordia College in Lutheran Lay Ministry, and ultimately a Masters in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin.

Chris married Richard Allen on August 11, 1957. They had two children who were the love of her life. Chris and Richard later divorced.

Chris was employed as an elementary teacher in Battle Creek, Iowa. After a move to Spencer, Iowa Chris had her own wedding catering business. Once Chris received her master’s degree she worked for a short time in Winner, South Dakota and later worked as a family therapist for Lutheran Counseling and Family Services in Appleton, Wisconsin. While in Appleton Chris was also an adoption coordinator which she really enjoyed.

Chris was an active church member where she resided and most recently was a member at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Chris will be remembered for her acrylic paintings, love of bird houses, and the Green Bay Packers.

Survivors include her son Robert (Debra) Allen, of Waterloo, four grandchildren Kaitlyn Allen and Courtney Allen, both of Waterloo, Sarah Hansen, of Salt Lake City, UT, and Ryan Hansen, of Minneapolis, MN, her sister-in-law, Louise Christiansen, of FL, and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her daughter Diane (Gary) Hansen, brothers M. Jean (Ann) Christiansen, LeRoy Christiansen, and Lorin (Dorla) Christiansen, and sister Lois (Arlo) Erickson.

Condolences may be shared at www.kearnsfuneralservice.com.

SOURCE: Kearns Funeral Service website