Arnold "Arnie" B Christiansen Jr.

Tamworth, NH formerly of Goffstown, NH

Arnold B. (Arnie) Christiansen passed away at his home in Tamworth, NH, on October 4, 2018, at the age of 89. His daughter, Susan, was with him.

He was born in Lynn, MA, to Arnold B. Christiansen, Sr. and Jessie Mary French. Arnie graduated from Lynn English High School, class of 1947, then Franklin Technical Institute in Boston, majoring in automotive service and technology. He was married for 64 years to Dorothy May Tutein and passed away 1 year and 11 months to the day after her.

While he lived in Lynn, he was active in the DeMolay Chapter and was the Master Councillor. He was the recipient of the prestigious Degree of Chavalier and Cross of Honor.

A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, he served aboard the USS Toledo CA133 and the USS Melvin DD680, Rate: MML3.

Arnie was employed by the Buick Motor Division of General Motors in Boston, Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company, Natick, MA, and was Assistant Service Manager at Nel-Nick Motors, the Ford Dealer, in Lynn, MA.

With his family, he moved to Goffstown, NH, and ran the Goffstown Esso Station from 1960-1969, then Christiansen’s Sunoco from 1969-1979. He ran a tight ship at the service stations and hired many teenage boys in town over the years. A reunion in 2001 was organized by many of those who worked for him. Local residents remember him for being kind and getting their cars going even in the roughest of conditions.

Arnie was a Mason for over 68 years – his father was a 75 year Mason. Arnie was District Deputy Grand Lecturer and Grand Master for the Second Masonic District (NH), recipient of the Major General John Sullivan Medal, member of the York Rite Masonic Bodies in Manchester, NH, the New Hampshire Consistory (32 Degree), Valley of Nashua and Bektash Temple AAONMS.

During his time in Goffstown, Arnie was a member of Bible Lodge #27, becoming Master in 1974. His daughter, Susan, became Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Assembly #22 the same year. He was Dad Advisor of the local DeMolay chapter for 10 years.

In 1979, after at trip across the country, he and Dot settled into the old Nutter Garage in Tamworth, NH. After the move, he became affiliated with Ossipee Valley Lodge #74 and was Master of that lodge as well.

A long time auto enthusiast, Arnie was a member of many local and national car clubs. He and Dot had been “on the field” selling car related items at the AACA Fall Hershey starting 49 years ago – this year would have been Arnie’s 50th. His favorite car club was The H. H. Franklin Club, Inc. The first Franklin in the family was a 1904 purchased in 1905. Franklin was the family car until the 1930’s. Dot and Arnie, with their daughter, ran the national Franklin Trek in 1974-75, then he and Dot became registrars for the meet starting in 1988. They received the Franklin Club Service Award in 1996.

The family thanks Tamworth EMT’s and Tamworth Police for their kindness during this time.

Arnie is survived by his daughter Susan Roberts, and her husband David, grandson Marshall, and cousin, Ruth Christiansen.

Calling hours will be Saturday, October 27, 2018 from 1-3PM at Lord Funeral Home, 50 Moultonville Road, Center Ossipee, NH.  Memorial services with Masonic Service will be held at 3:00 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the NH Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Evergreen Place, (NH MasoniCare), 813 Beech St., Manchester, NH 03104, a non-profit assisted living community. If you are interested in performing community service hours in memory of Arnie, please call Evergreen Place at 603-669-7361 for further information.

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