Keith Christiansen

Keith R. “Huffer” Christiansen, 74 of Duluth, died Monday, November 5, 2018 at St. Luke’s with his family by his side.  Huffer was born July 14, 1944 in Ft. Frances, Ontario to Walter and Nathalie Christiansen.  He graduated from International Falls High School, where he met Evelyn Sutherland and they were married March 20, 1965.  He played hockey for International Falls High School, UMD, the 1972 U.S. Olympic Team and the Minnesota Fighting Saints.  Huffer retired as a salesman at Kolar Toyota.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nathalie.

Huffer is survived by his wife, Evie; son, Brad (Jean); daughter, Marla (Juhl) Halvorson; grandchildren, Peter and Susan Christiansen and Mya and Leah Halvorson; brothers, Kenneth “Keno” (Mickey) Christiansen and Kelvin “Brush” (Marilyn) Christiansen; sisters in law, Virginia Jespersen, Donna (Dick) Hatt and Joan (Bob) Johnson and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Homam Alkaied, Dr. Nils Arvold, Dr. Tim Kleinschmidt, the staff at St. Luke’s Cancer Center and the 5 East ICU for their loving care of Huffer.

Huffer’s hockey career has been well documented.  What he loved most was spending time with his family and our special trips to Puerto Vallarta and Rainy Lake.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 12:30pm until the 2:00pm Memorial Service at the Harborside Ballroom at the DECC, 350 Harbor Dr., Duluth, MN.  Memorials are preferred and may be directed to UMD Hockey, c/o UMD Athletics, 1120 Kirby Dr., Duluth, MN  55812 or St. Luke’s Cancer Center, c/o St. Luke’s Foundation, 1000 E 1st St., Duluth, MN, 55805.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2nd St., Duluth, MN  55805, (218) 727-3555.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/sports/hockey/4524629-umd-hockey-great-christiansen-dies-74