Carol Leone Christiansen, age 91 of Miles, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and cherished memories on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 22nd at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Preston. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the service time Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Miles Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. An honorary pallbearer will be Connor. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Carol was born on November 30, 1934, in Clinton, Iowa, to Otto and Lillian (Peters) Nielsen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clinton. While living outside of Hauntown she went to a country school and then attended Miles High School graduating in 1952. She went on to pursue her passion for caring for others, graduating in 1955 from the Jane Lamb School of Nursing. Following her graduation, Carol worked at the hospital before dedicating many years of service at the office of Dr. James Cahill in Preston, Iowa.
In October 1955, Carol married her high school sweetheart, Delbert Christiansen. Together they built a life grounded in love, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Their marriage was a true testament to devotion, lasting until Delbert’s passing in 2011.
Carol was a devoted mother to her two children, Brent (Sue) Christiansen of Miles and Beth (Eddie) Sterk of Bryant. She found immense joy in her role as a grandmother to Caitlin (Justin), Kyle (Brook), Shannon (Jeremy), Ethan, Connor, Jarrett, and Chandler (Paige). She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Rory (Caitlin’s) and River (Jarrett’s), who brought her great happiness.
Throughout her life, Carol found joy in simple pleasures and meaningful moments. She loved spending time with family at Apple Canyon Lake, attending her grandchildren’s sporting events and music performances, gardening, visiting casinos, and spending time with friends. Some of her happiest days were spent alongside Del, simply getting in the car and seeing where the road would take them.
Carol will be remembered as an extraordinary woman whose warmth, caring spirit, and a bit of sass left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and her presence will be deeply missed but forever cherished. Her life was a beautiful example of love, strength, and kindness.
She was preceded in death by her husband Delbert, her parents Otto and Lillian Nielsen, and her brother Norman. Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.