Roger Christianson
July 19, 1946 – April 26, 2025
Roger Christianson, 78, of Papillion, NE, passed away on April 26, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
Roger was born on July 19, 1946, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Fred and Frances Christianson. He grew up in Clark, South Dakota, and graduated from Clark High School in 1964. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a Master of Science in Journalism and Mass Communications from South Dakota State University—as well as honorary degrees in pool sharking and bartending at the local pub. While at SDSU, Roger met the love of his life, Peggy, who would become his wife and the mother of their two amazing sons, Brady and Robert.
Roger had a long and impactful career in economic development, retiring from Omaha Public Power District in 2013. There, he played a key role in attracting major companies to Nebraska and the Omaha area. He also served as Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development under Governor Kay Orr from 1988 to 1992, where he was instrumental in launching initiatives such as LB775, a landmark tax incentive program designed to stimulate business growth and job creation across the state. His contributions to the field were recognized by the Nebraska Economic Developers Association, which named him Professional of the Year. He also served as the organization’s Board President in both 1995 and 2000.
Roger’s greatest pride and joy was his family, whom he cherished above all else. He was always planning the next Christianson adventure—whether it was a hunting trip to South Africa, a diving excursion in Turks & Caicos, exploring the Black Hills of South Dakota, or the annual South Padre vacation and family pheasant hunt in Winner, South Dakota. When not traveling, he found happiness in the simple moments: spending time with his grandchildren and cheering them on at their many activities.
Above all, Roger’s heart belonged to Peg—the love of his life, devoted wife, and constant companion for 54 years. She was his confidant, his greatest cheerleader, and his partner in every sense of the word. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, family, and adventure. Whether they were dancing, exploring a new corner of the world, or simply sitting side by side, Peg was always there—his travel companion, his dancing queen, and his forever love.
Roger’s bond with his sons, Brady and Robert, was filled with deep love and shared experiences that shaped some of the most meaningful parts of his life.
Both Brady and Robert enjoyed hunting with their dad, a passion that brought them together in the great outdoors. Robert joined Roger on unforgettable adventures to Alaska, Canada, and South Africa, while Brady shared memorable hunting trips with him to Canada, and a love of books and movies, especially James Bond. One of their most beloved traditions was hunting pheasants together in the fields of South Dakota.
Roger’s own father passed away when he was young, a loss that profoundly shaped his drive to become a great father. This experience fueled his commitment to being there for his sons, creating a foundation of love, guidance, and support that lasted a lifetime.
Roger also shared a special bond with his brother Steve, who was not only his sibling but also his best friend. Whether it was swapping stories, planning their next adventure, or simply enjoying each other’s company, the two were thick as thieves—a connection rooted in laughter, shenanigans, and shared history.
To know Roger was to love him. His friendships meant the world to him, and he made it a priority to stay close with friends from high school, college, and his career. He took great joy in organizing high school reunions and traveling with South Dakota State University alumni on trips that took him, Peggy, and close friend Donna to places like Cuba and Spain.
Roger is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Peggy Christianson; their children, Brady (Kristie) Christianson of Lincoln, NE, and Robert (Shandra) Christianson of Papillion, NE; brother, Steve (Grace) Christianson of Sioux Falls, SD; four cherished grandchildren: Hunter, Avery, Edryk, and Kaleb.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Frances Christianson.
MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 3:00 PM with VISITATION at 2:00 PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, 68124.
A Celebration of Life and Burial will also take place on June 7, 2025, in South Dakota, with details to follow.
Memorials are suggested to Children’s Nebraska.
Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com
9 Comments
This is a loss shared by Roger’s wide circle of friends and colleagues who benefited from his generosity, his infectious smile, and endless optimism for a future we’d build together. Of course, his fishing tales will remain a vivid memory…. with arms stretched apart, then widening he’s say, it was this BIG! I’ll miss you Roger.
When Roger was DED Director, he traveled around Nebraska with the State Chamber of Commerce to share the plan for economic growth throughout the state. He was very professional, knowledgeable ,and a joy to travel with.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and the family.
Barry and Diane Kennedy
Roger will be so missed. We got to spend some weekends with him and Peggy at Lake Cochrane. He was the best story teller. He enjoyed all the lake meals and snacks and we were so happy to have them both there. Blessed be his memory. We’ll always have a Roger story to tell.
Working closely with Roger was one of my great gifts through out my career. Roger was kind, thoughtful, hilarious….and unforgettable.
One of my great joys was being invited to the Christensen family hunt for many years
Rest in Peace my friend. Tom Richards
Worked with Roger on various economic development efforts over the years. I learned a great deal from Roger. He was always moving something forward and growing the people who worked for him and with him. His contribution to Nebraska’s progress is so much appreciated. My prayers are with Peggy and family.
Roger was one of my best friends for over 50 years, and I’m really going to miss him. Our careers in Economic Development overlapped those decades, and we always took great pleasure in discussing our projects. What I will cherish most were the memories of annual pheasant hunts with Roger and Jack Ruff at our family farm in Burt County. One year, I presented Roger with a shirt commemorating his success in that year’s hunt. As far as I know, he kept that shirt all his life – “Winner – Decatur One Case Pheasant Hunt”. Roger was a devoted husband and father and loved Peggy and his sons. He always brought them into our conversations. Peggy, Robert, and Brady – please accept my condolences for your loss..
I knew Roger from our days at Nebraska Economic Development. He hired me. I was fortunate to share some hunting adventures in Western Nebraska with Roger, Dennis Hall, and Jack Ruff. Once with Bobby. Roger was always so upbeat about doing life. He never missed in having a good story to share in the duck blind or in front of larger crowds. During one duck hunting trip, I was able to help him get out of quicksand and he me. I missed seeing him after he left NDED, but will always have the memories. A good leader and friend. Stew Jobes
Roger was one of the best! He attended the Governor’s Pine Ridge Wild Turkey Hunt, where he re-connected with a fellow SDSU pool shark (Zane Dickinson) who was teaching at CSC. the stories and pool games were epic. He was so generous with his time and expertise. He took calls from so many of us, even after he ‘retired’. We will certainly miss the stories and the smile. Rest in peace, from a Coyote to a Jackrabbit.
Teri Dixon and I teased Roger about a shirt he loved. It had fish on it and we always suggested that it would make a quilt block. Lovely man.
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