John Michael “Mike” Christiansen, age 63, Fontana, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2022.
He was born on November 3, 1958, in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of John Milton and Pauline Marie
Stamper Christiansen. Mike graduated from Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. He then
attended Kansas State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in both Agricultural Economics
and Animal Science. Mike remained an avid Wildcat supporter and booster. While attending K-State, he
was a member of the rodeo team. On April 29, 1989, Mike was united in marriage to LaRee Smith. Soon
thereafter, they were blessed with the birth of their son, Kyle, in 1991.

In 1998, Mike, LaRee, and Kyle moved to their ranch in Fontana, Kansas, which would become known as
The Christiansen Ranch. There, Mike and his family shared the things he loved most: the outdoors,
roping, and hunting. A true cowboy at heart, Mike never lost his love for roping and rodeo. He also found
time to get out to his shop and create beautiful metal art. His work blesses many homes in the area and
around the country. Mike was a natural conversationalist; his quiet demeanor and ability to reassure
others put everyone at ease. Many have said that he was a gentle giant.

Mike worked in the structural steel trade for much of his career and was employed by Select Steel in
Business Development and as a Project Manager. Remaining involved in rodeo, he served on the Kansas
State University Rodeo Advisory Council and was very involved in the improvements and upgrades that
they have made to their facilities over the last few years. He also formerly served as a ranch rodeo
judge for the State of Missouri. His faith ever important, Mike was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes
Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mike is survived by his loving wife, LaRee,
son, Kyle Christiansen, and two honorary granddaughters, Marley and Zoey Johnson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am, Friday, September 23, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church,
Paola, Kansas. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed at 5 pm on Thursday, September
22nd at Holy Trinity. Visitation will follow the Rosary until 7 pm. Memorial contributions are suggested
to the K-State Rodeo Scholarship Fund. Online condolences can be left at www.schneiderfunerals.com.