(1926 – 2024)

Christian Castenskiold passed away July 16 in Los Angeles, CA.  He was a member of the Danish Royal Guard in 1948 and a Lieutenant of the Reserve, before emigrating to the United States.  He was Aalborg Mayor For A Day in 1982.

07/27/2024 3:13am

Courtesy: Pastor Anne-Grethe Krogh Nielsen
The Danish Lutheran Church
Yorba Linda, CA

Christian Castenskiold was born on July 10, 1926, on Kongstedlund in Denmark. He was the son of Dagmar Louise Elizabeth, Princess of Denmark and Jorgen Castenskiold. 

Christian Castenskiold attended Steenhus Kostskole and Næsgaard Landbrugskole. He honorably served as a Royal Guard in 1948 and as a Lieutenant of the Reserve, before he went to the United States. Due to his language knowledge and experience, he spent most of his time in the U.S. Army serving as an Interpreter in Germany (1952-54).Upon his completed service, he became a successful business man in the united States: SAS 1951-69 as Western Area Manager in Los Angeles and as National Public Relations Director in New York. He was Director of Sales for Nordline A/S from 1969-74, Director of Sales for Carlsberg Breweries, Western USA 1974-1979, Assistant to the Chairman of USA Petroleum, Santa Monica, Vice President of International Fuels Exchange and serving as Vice President for World Trade Company of Beverly Hills, on The Industrial Development Board of Copenhagen Denmark and as Vice Present of Sales for Sea jet Cruise Lines, San Diego. 

Along with an impressive career Christian Castenskiold was affiliated and involved with many great Danish Clubs and Organizations: Founder and past President of Danish American Chamber of Commerce, Los Angeles; president of Danish American Chamber of Commerce Western USA; President of Danish Olympic Support Committee 1954, USA, Board member of The Tom and Valley Knudsen Foundation and President for the Danish Royal Guards in California.

Christian Castenskiold was an instrumental member of the relocation committee when the Danish Lutheran Church relocated from Downtown LA to Yorba Linda in 1995. As a board member of the Knudsen Foundation, he secured substantial funds for the Danish Lutheran Church and Cultural Center. 

Among many honors : Commander of Dannebrogsordenen , 1990; The Royal Norwegian Saint Olavs Order, Commander with Star, 1983; Ellis Island Medal of Honor, 1992, Corporal US Army 1952-1954 , National Defense Service Medal, and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the US medal.

Christian Castenskiold was married to Cecily Abbotts (1927-2019) and they had daughter Alexandra Cuilty (1965-) married to Christopher Cuilty. Two beloved granddaughter Ava and Amelia.

First and foremost Christian Castenskiold will be remembered as a true Gentleman who was humble, generous and attentive to everyone.