Lewis Kimball Christesen

Lewis Kimball (“Kim”) Christesen passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, November 30, 2025 with his loving wife Sharon by his side. Lewis was born on September 28, 1945 to Scott and Eleanor Christesen. Lewis was raised in Amesbury, MA moving to Salem, NH as a young boy.

Upon graduating from Woodbury High School, Lewis enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his four years as an aircraft crew chief, Lewis was stationed in England, Italy, Germany, Turkey, and Libya. Lewis was a proud veteran. After serving his country, Lewis completed his Sheet Metal Apprenticeship and joined the Union Local 17 and worked in sheet metal construction, drafting and ultimately a foreman for a number of large jobs including the entire Peabody Essex Museum system before retiring after 30 years with the union.

Lewis was a devoted and loving family man, whose heart always put his loved ones first. Lewis was a patriot who also loved his country. He worked tirelessly to provide for his family, ensuring they were cared for, safe, and surrounded by love. With his gentle warmth, kindness, and unwavering support, he built a home full of laughter, love and comfort, leaving behind precious memories - most especially as Papa to his grandchildren Lillian, Luke, and Emily Deacy. To know Lewis was to feel his love, and his legacy of devotion and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to be part of his life.

A lifelong enthusiast of all things automotive, Lewis instilled that passion in his son Eric and grandson Luke. He also loved being out on the water, and some of his happiest moments were spent on the open ocean fishing side by side with them as an avid saltwater fisherman.

Lewis passed on his remarkable gift of showing kindness and generosity to strangers, neighbors, and friends alike as well as his love for all creatures great and small - especially his fondness for birds - to his daughter Kara.

He treasured listening to and belting out the golden oldies with his granddaughter Emily Deacy, and he loved watching her light up the stage in her dance and musical theater productions. Lewis also loved listening to his wife Sharon and daughter Kara play classical music on their grand piano while he relaxed in his favorite recliner.

Lewis’s favorite daily routines included collecting brass at the Pelham Fish and Game Club, stopping in for morning (and often lunch time) visits with Jimmy and the crew at the BP station, enjoying evening walks with his “brother from another mother” Chuck and their neighborhood friends, and ending each day with a nightly soak in the hot tub. He enjoyed Friday night dinners, peaceful weekends in Maine, and the many memorable trips to Florida he shared with Sharon, Moe, and Chuck.

Lewis was often referred to and proudly served as the “Honorary Mayor” of both Diana Drive and Page Farm neighborhoods. His love and care extended to neighbors and friends, always ready to fix something, lend a hand or a tool, and quick to make you laugh.

Lewis is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Sharon (Deacy) Christesen; his children Eric Christesen and partner Janina Zagari of San Rafael, CA and Kara Christesen of Salem, NH; his grandchildren Lillian, Luke, and Emily Deacy; his best friend and “brother from another mother” Charles Piazza and beloved (favorite!) sister-in-law Maureen Piazza; and siblings Marjorie Scherbon of Merrimac, MA and John W. Sjostrom of Salem, NH.

He was predeceased by his father, Scott K. Christesen; his mother Eleanor Sjostrom; his step-father William Sjostrom; and his sister Virginia Lamontagne.

Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life held at the Black Water Grill, 43 Pelham Road, Salem, NH on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 12-3. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation. Lewis was honored to regularly attend Navy SEAL foundation events and was an active supporter of Navy SEALs and their families. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.basiccremationne.com