William (Bill) Joseph Christiansen, 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 in Glenview, Illinois.

A lifelong Des Plaines resident, he was born on December 26, 1946 to Christ G. Christiansen and Kathleen (O'Rourke) Christiansen. Bill was a proud Vietnam Veteran, earning numerous awards including the Silver Star, the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star as an Army LRRP/Ranger.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Connie (nee Gilmore), his four adoring daughters, Annie (Steve) Grosz, Sara (Dan) Knigge, Leah Dillow, Becky (Brent) Offill and his nine grandchildren: Charlie, Mikaela, Jack, Julia, Evan, Matthew, Thomas, Tessa and Joe. Bill also leaves behind his siblings, Bob (Judy), Kathy (Izzy) Sierra, Tom (Jan) Christiansen, Kevin (Irene) Christiansen and countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear sister Mary Ann Walker.

After retiring from K&R Delivery where he worked as a dockman, Bill enjoyed time fishing and started a second career at Rolling Meadows High School. He worked as an instructional assistant in the Special Education Department and as a coach for girl's bowling and boy's water polo. From guest speaking in high school classrooms to serving as president of his local VVA chapter, he found joy in sharing his wartime experiences. Most recently Bill authored a book about his time in Vietnam.

Above all, Bill was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin, friend and fisherman.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at G.L. Hills Funeral Home, 745 Graceland Ave., Des Plaines, Illinois. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary's Church, 794 Pearson St., Des Plaines, IL on Monday, August 28 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311, 1291 Oakwood Ave., Des Plaines, IL 60016, or the Special Olympics, www.support.specialolympics.org . Funeral care provided by G.L. Hills Funeral Home and Cremation Center. For information, please call 847-699-9003 or visit www.glhillsfuneralhome.com .