John William Christianson IV

John William Christianson IV
February 7, 1972 – April 13, 2025
John William Christianson IV, 53, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully in his home on April 13, 2025. John was born on February 7, 1972, at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to John William Christianson III and Vicky Renee Stein. He spent most of his life in West Fargo, where he was known for his warmth, humor, intelligence, and ability to make friends wherever he went.
As a child, John cherished summers on his grandparents’ farm, where his adventurous spirit led to many memorable stories—including the time a bull chased him up a tree. He was a Boy Scout for a time and remained endlessly curious throughout his life. In high school, John was a talented athlete who excelled in both hockey and baseball. He graduated with honors from West Fargo High School in 1990. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors from North Dakota State University. During college, he met and married Lisa Emerson on August 7, 1993. They welcomed their son, Zane (John William V), while living in Fargo, and later moved to Champlin, Minnesota, where their daughter, Erica Mary, was born. During this time, John worked as an insurance adjustor in the Twin Cities.
In 2008, John met Judy Marik, his rock and supporter. In 2012, they made the decision to move to Fargo to pursue his new calling—being a counselor at Anchorage Recovery. He also went back to NDSU earning his Master’s of Education Degree in 2016 and became a Licensed Addiction Counselor. John had a rare and powerful ability to connect with others, offering understanding, empathy and, hope to countless people. His work changed—and even saved—many lives.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, John was known for his razor-sharp dry sense of humor. He could make anyone laugh with a perfectly timed remark or clever observation. John will be remembered for many things: his brilliant dry sense of humor, his sharp intellect, and his deep love of music—especially Metallica, whose concerts he rarely missed…Metallica was the soundtrack of his life. His wit, curiosity, and compassion made him unforgettable. John loved his children Zane and Erica immensely.
He was preceded in death by his father, John William Christianson III; his mother, Vicky Anderson; and his grandparents, John and Phyllis Christianson, and, Dick and Millie Stein and, of course, Bender, his dog.
He is survived by Judy Marik, children, Zane and Erica; his sister, Jana (Shawn) Tronier; his Stepfather Daryl Anderson, stepsisters, Darcy Anderson and Buffy (Ricky) Holbrook; stepbrother, AJ (Jesse) Anderson; and many beloved friends and extended family.

Celebration of Life for John Christianson

The family will be hosting a Celebration of John’s Life on Saturday, May 3rd from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM in Fargo. We warmly invite you to join us in honoring and remembering this extraordinary man. If you feel moved, please come and share a memory as we gather in fellowship.

For additional details, feel free to IM Judy Marik or Jana Tronier.

We understand if you are unable to attend, but we thank you sincerely for your thoughts and prayers as we begin to adjust to life without John by our side.

Memorials and cards may be directed to Boulger Funeral Home