Renn Christiansen

Renn passed away, after a valiant fight with Covid, surrounded by his loving family, from both sides of the veil.
Renn grew up on Sunset Avenue, where he enjoyed playing basketball and getting into mischief. He was humble and a fierce defender of truth and honesty. He always stood up for and rooted for the underdog.
Renn loved being active. Flying, waterskiing, snow skiing, motorcycling, hiking, biking, wind surfing, wave running, boating, basketball, tennis, as well as anything with his grandkids. He made countless trips to Lake Powell, where he was usually the one behind the wheel of the boat. He loved when he was able to get out on the water and let it rip. He was a pleasure to watch. It was like watching an artist, as he would cut back and forth across the wake. For his 80th Birthday, Renn took all of his grandkids to Lake Powell. He had the time of his life sharing that special place with his cherished grandchildren.
Renn served a 2 ½ year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Norway, the land of his heritage. Immediately following his mission, he was able to meet some of his Norwegian relatives. The relationships he built from that visit, grew over the years into unbreakable bonds across generations. Renn’s love for his Norwegian Family and Norway were ever present in his daily life and in his heart and mind.
Renn married Shiree, the love of his life, June 21, 1967, in the Salt Lake Temple. They have four children and seven grandchildren. Throughout their married life, Renn and Shiree bred, showed and raced Quarter Horses, as well as bred, trained, showed and trialed Australian Shepherds, which Renn also judged. He knew Shiree’s love for the breed, and they enjoyed traveling to shows, together. The conversations on the way home always included him asking her opinion of his decisions. Renn and Shiree shared many interests and relished the time spent together as they pursued their extensive projects and activities. They were truly two parts of one whole and found a rare harmonious balance.
Shiree had to share Renn with the world. As they were one in most things, they were one in their generosity to their family, friends, and neighbors. Renn lived a life of service. If there was a need, everyone counted on Renn to step in and do whatever needed to be done. He was skilled with his hands beyond measure. He was always there to mend a fence, repair a roof, replace a transmission, fix a leaking sink, or hand-carve intricate molding for that special touch. To do a “Renn job” meant that it was done right and his work would stand the test of time.
Renn’s service to his brother Mark and his parents was unmatched. Early in his marriage, while he was working as a mechanic for Rick Warner, he had his pilot’s license with a commercial rating. This meant he could follow his passion, and fly. He was offered a position as a demo pilot, but in true Renn form, he ultimately turned it down to stay in Salt Lake and help his parents by going to work with his father as Rolf Christiansen and Son Construction. Together, they worked on many projects, several for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Renn also felt a strong duty to Mark. There were many late nights filled with walking, feeding, and ‘throwing Mark to bed’ without ever uttering a negative remark. He always responded to a request for help with a cheerful, “You bet!”
Sometimes what was needed was a second Dad. For some, their father had physical limitations, for some their dad had passed, and some didn’t have their father as present as was needed. Renn stepped in, without being asked, and filled in the gaps never diminishing the other fathers’ role or dignity. He quietly lifted with his hands and his heart and gave all he had to help others.
Renn was also a remarkable teacher. He was happy to share his wealth of knowledge. He loved and understood the gospel and taught it not only in Priesthood Quorums and Sunday School Classes, but also to his children and grandchildren. He taught with his words, as well as by example. He lived the gospel and showed his fellowmen true charity. Renn not only taught others how to find the North Star, but he taught them how to seek and find The Lord. He wanted to make sure his loved ones could always find their way home.
Renn loved his family. He is the personal hero of each of his children and grandchildren. He beamed with joy at each of their births. Renn has ached for his dear Shiree this past year. They are reunited, and no more joyous reunion was had.
Renn, we will miss the twinkle in your eyes, your warm smile, your zest for life, and your precious friendship. Vi elsker deg!
Survived by children Kirsten, Rolf (Bonnie), Britt, and Sonja Wicks, sisters Barbara (Richard), Debbie (Steve), grandchildren Rolf’s children Mikayla Barnard (Jared), Maren, Hannah, Renn V., and Andrew Sonja’s children Tessa and Cortland.
Proceeded by wife Shiree, parents Rolf and Irene Christiansen, brothers Kay and Mark, sister Ann, and sister-in-law Beverly.
Regrettably, we are unable to honor Renn with a public service, at this time. A private service for his family will be held. We plan to have a Celebration of Life to honor Renn once our family is fully recovered from this terrible disease that has taken Renn too early.