Elden Kristiansen

Elden Kristiansen, 93, of Billings, passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2024.

Elden was born on Sept. 1, 1931, in Watford City, North Dakota, to Even and Agnes (née Levang) Kristiansen. Elden grew up in Scobey, where he grew up helping in his father’s hardware store. Later in his high school years, the family relocated to Billings, where he graduated from Billings Senior High School and then attended Billings Business College, where he met his wife, Donna Bekel. They married on April 22, 1951. The couple had five children.

Elden worked for years at Sears, where he was honored with a national award for sales. He eventually retired after working at Odegaard’s Drug & Hardware in Billings. He was blessed with a brilliant business mind that served him well throughout life.

Elden was an avid hunter and conservationist. He traveled all over the U.S. and Canada for his hunts. He was especially proud to complete his North American Wild Sheep Grand Slam. He always enjoyed taking family and friends through his trophy room and sharing memories of his adventures. His love of hunting is something that he passed down to his children and grandchildren. Elden also enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling with Donna.

Elden was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Billings. He was especially proud to have served on the committee that planned and designed the beautiful stained-glass windows that parishioners still enjoy today.

Donna and Elden were married for 69 years when she preceded him in death in 2020. Elden was also preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, Tim Ross and daughter-in-law, Deborah Kristiansen. Survivors include two sons, Gary Kristiansen of Robins, Iowa, and Don Kristiansen (Leigh Ann) of Billings; three daughters, Sharon Ross of Billings, Carol Stoltz (Jerry) of Billings and Diana Holwegner of Scottsdale, Arizona; 13 grandchildren, David, John and Lisa Ross of Billings, Cory Gardner (Sue) of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, Adam (Tonya) Kristiansen of Milton, Wisconsin, Daniel  and Christina Stoltz of Billings, Amber Romano of Phoenix, Arizona, Josh Holwegner ( Bridgitte) of Beach, North Dakota, Jay Holwegner (Lindsay) of Phoenix, Brendan Kristiansen (Meghen) of Sheridan, Wyoming, Anna (Zach) Hurt of Aurora, Colorado, Gabriel Kristiansen of Billings; 16 great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13, at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Billings. Public viewing begins at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be made at www.michelottisawyers.com.