Christensen, Chris (1934-2004)

CHRISTENSEN, ANDREWS, LIND, WILEY, SKINNER, ELLINGSON, KRUSE, THIES, FITZPATRICK

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 2/14/2010 at 21:26:15

Chris P. Christensen - Oct. 11, 1934 - Feb. 15, 2004

Chris P. Christensen, age 69, of Storm Lake, Iowa, died Sunday, February 15, 2004, at the Sid Peterson Memorial Hospital in Kerrville, Texas, following a sudden illness.

Chris Peter Christensen was born on October 11, 1934, to Chris and Gladys (Andrews) Christensen in Little Sioux Township near Mapleton, Iowa. He spent his childhood in his parents’ home on Crow Island near Blencoe, Iowa. He attended country schools and then Mapleton High School. In 1958, Chris attended Masonry School and later taught classes at that same school for three winters.

Chris served his country with pride in the United States Army as an MP from December of 1954 until October of 1957 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Spec. 4. During his time in the Army, he spent duty time guarding the Panama Canal.

On August 14, 1956, he was united in marriage to Janette Lind at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Their union was blessed with a son, Rick.

Chris was a bricklayer by trade. While still an apprentice, he was promoted to a foreman position. He was a master of many tasks, always making or inventing something to fill a need. He prided himself on finding solutions for problems. In his career, Chris was involved in the construction of many prominent high-rise buildings, most notably the Brooks Tower and the Brooks Twin Tower in downtown Denver as well as the Eisenhower Tunnel in the Rocky Mountains.

In 1981, Chris and Jan moved back to Storm Lake from Colorado and he enjoyed working for Paul Park Construction. A most memorable project was the Buena Vista Victory Arch. The Arch was constructed from the remains of the Old Main archway. Old Main was the principal building on campus until it was destroyed by fire in 1956. Chris helped to build the Victory Arch at the southeast corner of Chapel lawn where it stood for many years before it was rebuilt atop the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business/Siebens Forum during 1984-85. It was there that once again he helped to rebuild the Arch. Chris enjoyed having played a role in the history of the Arch, which has become a symbol linking the past to the present on BV’s campus.

Chris retired in 1998, but true to form, continued to find projects to keep himself busy. He liked relaxing while he listened to country music and was well known for always wearing his flannel shirts. He and Jan enjoyed their retirement, traveling and spending winters in Texas.

Left to cherish Chris’ memory are his wife Jan of Storm Lake; his son, Rick and wife Vicki Christensen of Deer Trail, CO; two brothers: Arnold and wife Delores Christensen of Grand Rapids, MN, and Walt Christensen of Denver, CO, and his special friend Faye Pace of Kerrville, TX; two sisters: Ramona Wiley of Newcastle, CO, and Jeannie Skinner of Colorado Springs, CO; his sister-in-law: Josie and husband Dean Ellingson of Storm Lake; cousins: Kathryn Kruse of Soldier, Juanita and husband Martin Thies of Mapleton, Laura Fitzpatrick of Danbury, Norman and wife Donna Christensen of Mapleton and Martin and wife Mary Ann Christensen of Sun City, AZ; many nieces, nephews and numerous extended family members and friends.

Preceding Chris in death were his parents, Chris and Gladys Christensen.

Funeral Services for Mr. Christensen will be Sunday, February 22, 2004, at 3:00 p.m. at the Storm Lake United Methodist Church. Burial with full military honors by Amvets Post 66 will be in the Storm Lake Cemetery under the direction of the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake.

Friends may call at the Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 21, 2004, where the family will be present. Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so online.

Copyright © 2004, Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home

Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home
 

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