John "Swede" Christian

John L Chistian

December 22, 1937 – June 8, 2026

“I loved Lavina, my kids, our kids, and the Navy. I loved the USA and the Poplar Indians.” These are the words our Swede asked to be remembered by…and they capture him perfectly.

Born John Lewis Christian on December 22, 1937, in Poplar, Montana, he arrived a blonde baby on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. An uncle quickly dubbed him “Swede,” a nickname that stayed with him for life. Sailors and Marines called him “Doc,” the title he earned and wore with honor as a Navy corpsman. But the titles he cherished most were husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend.

We trust that God welcomed Swede to Heaven on Monday, June 8th, after a prolonged period of declining health. In his 88 years, he brightened countless lives with his kindness, respect, sincerity, and wry one‑liners that became his signature. He had a gift for making people feel seen and for making them laugh.

He grew up in Poplar, where, as a freshman in high school, he met Lavina —the young woman who, years later, would become his partner, his constant, and the defining presence in his life.

He enlisted in the Navy after graduating high school in 1956. In 1958, Swede married Priscilla “Tillie” Harris. This union was blessed with three sons, J. Dean, Danny, and Jamie.

A Medical Field Service Technician in the Navy, Swede reached the distinguished rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and served around the world including three tours of duty in Vietnam with Marine Force Recon. As a medical corpsman he served with, and cared for, countless sailors and Marines, finally retiring with honors in November 1986. Even in retirement, reconnaissance continued to be an important activity for Swede, arriving hours, or sometimes days, prior to a scheduled event to ensure that he had time to “recon the site.” His pride in his military service ran deep. Doc Christian was red, white, and blue through and through.

And he lived that pride daily. His love and respect for the U.S. military uniform showed in the way he carried himself and cared for others. No matter the branch, he was quick with a quiet “let me fix that for you” when a uniform needed adjusting—he saw every detail. At each duty station, that meticulous eye became part of his reputation.

One of Swede’s long‑standing passions was ensuring that Old Glory always flew untattered. He believed the American flag deserved respect, and he lived that belief quietly and consistently.

He kept a supply of new U.S. flags on hand and would leave them for businesses and homeowners whose flags had become frayed or faded. It was his way of honoring the country he loved and teaching others to do the same.

It was with great pride that, as a retired non‑commissioned officer, Swede volunteered with American Legion Post #4 as an Honor Guard Commander. Ensuring that deceased veterans were honored with the highest respect at their interment was deeply important to him. His commitment to the United States of America—and to those who served—never wavered.

Even off duty, Swede carried his sense of discipline and fairness with him. He loved sports—flag football, volleyball, basketball, softball—and he loved officiating them just as much. As an umpire and referee, he kept up with every rule change and enforced them with quiet confidence. Many challenged his calls; few succeeded; none tried twice. Fair and honest to his core, he treated friend and rival exactly the same. In retirement, he still ran sprints at the Big Sky State Games and spent many years playing and umpiring recreational softball.

Swede continued a life of service long after his military career. He worked with the Indian Health Service, supporting urban Native American communities with compassion and steadiness. He also served as a VA van driver, traveling to small towns throughout the region to transport veterans to and from their medical appointments. Later, he joined TSA at Billings Logan Airport, where his warm smile and easy humor became familiar to countless travelers.

He and Lavina served on Ski Patrol at Red Lodge Mountain, and he was a cherished greeter at St. Pius Catholic Church, donning his dress blues on special days of worship.

A young love was rekindled at a high school reunion and grew into a marriage rich with affection, laughter, and devotion. John Christian married Lavina Ellen Guertin on September 5, 1988, and together they built a life that was steady, joyful, and true. Lavina cared for Swede with profound tenderness, remaining by his side at home until his final breath. His determination near the end was simply his desire to hold on for her sake. We are certain he went ahead to recon Heaven, ready to show us around when our time comes.

Wherever he lived, Swede found a favorite watering hole and never hesitated to buy a beer for a friend—and he considered everyone a friend. It was not uncommon for him to buy a round for the entire bar, inviting all to raise a glass with his familiar toast: “God bless our military men and women that are in harm’s way.” Dining out, he inevitably became acquainted with every Native American and every U.S. service member present, often paying for their meals. Deeply proud of his Lakota Sioux heritage, Swede was a kind, faithful, and generous man—wise, courageous, and discreet. He taught not through words but through example. His life reflected his values. He was the kind of man we should all aspire to become.

Preceding Swede in death are his parents Belle Atkinson and John Christian, Sr., his siblings, Darrell Christian, Davy Archambeau, Judy Mitchell, JD Atkinson, and Bobby Atkinson.

Swede is survived by his devoted wife, Lavina Guertin; his children, J. Dean Christian, Danny Christian and Jamie (Marcia) Christian; his stepchildren, Doug (Yvonne) Mullowney, Tim (Wendi) Mullowney, Lynn (Nardo) Mullowney Cabrera, PJ (Iris) Mullowney, and Jim Mullowney. Also surviving Swede are his siblings, Tom Atkinson, Denver Atkinson, Jamie Atkinson, and Dotty Atkinson. With 25 grandchildren, 15 great‑grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, his family is large, loving, and committed to perpetuating his legacy.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the providers at the Benjamin Charles Steele VA Clinic and Billings Clinic, who truly cared for Swede - welcoming the humor and kindness he sprinkled into every visit. They also extend sincere thanks to Stillwater Hospice and Synergy HomeCare for the compassionate care they provided in near the end.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Veterans Navigation Network in Billings, MT, or the charity of your choice.