Paula And Gene Christiansen

Gene B Christiansen, 87 & Paula Dianne Christiansen, 86 of Pocatello, Idaho passed away peacefully in Paradise, Utah surrounded by family. Paula passed away on October 28, 2022 and Gene on November 4, 2022. Long time Pocatello residents and business owners, Gene and Paula were married for 66 years. They were rarely apart, now forever together.

Paula Dianne Davidson, 86, was born in St. Anthony, Idaho on March 24, 1936 to CC (Cyrus Calvin) and Mary Orebaugh (Booth) Davidson. She was the youngest of 7 children. Paula grew up on a riverfront farm below Ashton dam, attended school in Ashton and graduated from North Fremont High School in 1954. She was involved in many activities in school, including band, theater and cheerleading at North Fremont. Paula loved music and dancing. Nursing School at then Idaho State College brought her to Pocatello where she met “One Fine Guy”, Gene Christiansen.

Gene was born in Pocatello on October 6, 1935 to Merrill Leroy and Grace Marietta (Bullock) Christiansen. He was the middle of five children. He attended school in Pocatello and graduated from Pocatello High School in 1953. Gene saw Paula among her nursing college friends and pulled over to chat with her. He was interested in her; Paula was interested in his neat car but couldn’t resist Gene’s blue eyes. They were married a few months later. Gene served in the U.S. Army National Guard honorably discharged from three terms of service. He loved cars and motorcycles and enjoyed local auto club racing, road trips and shows. Gene taught Paula to ride motorcycles and race and they loved these times together with friends.

Gene and Paula married on February 3, 1956. Together they raised two daughters and a son. Gene worked for Red Bartoschek at Red’s Gateway Cycle and Key Shop and the Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman. Paula was an operator for the Mountain States Telephone Co. Beginning in the early 70’s, Gene and Paula purchased Gateway Cyclery and operated the Gateway business and later a hobby and doll repair store in downtown Pocatello, Auntie’s Closet consignment shop and Yellowstone Schwinn Cyclery in Idaho Falls. They outfitted thousands of area families with Schwinn bikes and equipment. Gene was an expert locksmith and safe cracker.

Paula was christened in the Lutheran Church in St. Anthony along with her siblings, but the Davidson family attended the Methodist Church in Ashton. Paula joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, baptized by Gene on their anniversary in 1962. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls temple April 28, 1979 with their children.

Gene and Paula were active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, residing in the 4th, 2nd/Caldwell Park Ward since 1973. They served various callings. Paula especially loved “RoadShows”, Dance Festivals and any opportunity to teach dancing. Paula and the children were long time dance students of Mary Kasai. Paula was talented at making costumes, cooking and crafting.

Gene and Paula are survived by their daughters, Shellee (Phil) Leavitt and Sharra Nelson, Pocatello; son, Shaylon (Roma) Christiansen, Paradise, Utah, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Gene is survived by siblings, Dian (Gene) Summers, and Clark J (Jean Ravsten) Christiansen, sister-in-law, Rachel (Merlin) Christiansen, all of Pocatello. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Merlin and Gale.

Paula is survived by her brother Edward (Ellen) Davidson, Salt Lake City and sister-in-law Vicki (John H.) Davidson, Idaho Falls and sister-in-law Jean (Bill J.) Davidson, Pocatello. Paula was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jim (Lucille) Davidson, Ashton, John H (Vicki) Davidson, Idaho Falls, and William (Bill) J (Jean) Davidson, Pocatello and two older sisters, Elizabeth Kidd Morgan, Ashton, Salmon and Eileen Davidson, Seattle, Pocatello.

A combined viewing will be held on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 9:00 to 10:30 AM at the LDS Caldwell Park church, 135 S. 7th Avenue Pocatello, Idaho, with their services starting at 11 AM. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family under the "Tribute Wall” tab above.