Paul Keith Christians

Paul Keith Christians, 83, formerly of Forreston, IL passed away Friday August 15, 2025 at Walnut Acres in Freeport, IL. He was born April 30, 1942 in Freeport, IL, the son of Edwin and Margaret (Kaney) Christians. On June 25, 1960 he married Sharon Burma in Shannon, IL. Paul farmed for 55 years in the Shannon and Baileyville area. Paul was an active member of the Prairie Dell Church, the Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris, and Park Hills Church.

Paul enjoyed collecting model farm toys, keeping even the original boxes in pristine condition. He also had an extensive farm hat collection neatly tucked away in rubbermaid tubs. His family remembers his spatial acuity in using every inch of space in packing a car and a moving van. In his farming career, selling all the milk cows, harvest time, and operating the combine were his highlights. Not to forget the open buddy seat reserved for children, grandchildren, or even an occasional curious passerby. If you were lucky enough to ride along you may even be treated to a fun-size Butterfinger and the Paul Harvey radio show. Paul enjoyed a Sunday drive with his family to look over crops and the inventory of the car and farm equipment lots, ending many days with a dish of ice cream.

He is survived by his wife Sharon; four children, daughter Cindy (Myron) Dickau of Browntown, WI and their two children Austin (Amanda) Dickau of Cuba City, WI and Justin Dickau of Browntown, WI, daughter Deb (Tod) Radloff of Green Bay, WI and their three children Aaron (Brittany) Radloff of Kewaunee, WI, Anthony (Caroline) Radloff of Green Bay, WI, and Ashley (Royce Everhard) Radloff of Green Bay, WI, daughter Kathy (Brett) Lessman of Oregon, IL and their two children Cody (Katrina) Lessman of Oregon, IL and Zachary (Emily) Lessman of Rochelle, IL, and son Keith (Teresa Luketin) Christians of Rockford, IL; brother Leo (Bonnie) Christians of Lanark, IL; two sisters Marilyn (Wayne) Yelk of Arkansas and Carolyn (Cliff) Beyer of Kansas City, MO; and nine great-grandchildren and one on the way.

Preceding Paul in death are his parents and great-grandson Bryson Dickau.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday August 22, 2025 at Park Hills Church in Freeport. A visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. There will also be a visitation Thursday August 21, 2025 from 4:00-7:00 P.M. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. Cremation rites have been accorded following the services. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Paul’s memory.