Clarence Fred Christensen

CHRISTENSEN

Posted By: Patrick Turner (email)
Date: 2/9/2003 at 09:35:58

Tuesday, October 7, 2001

Shelby

In Memory: Clarence Fred Christensen

Clarence Fred Christensen, 77, of Avoca died Friday, September 28, 2001 at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha after a long battle with diabetes.

He was born on August 14, 1924 in Avoca, one of two children in the family of Clarence and Agnes 0'Neill Christensen.

Clarence was baptized on September 6, 1924. He attended school in Avoca and graduated with the class of 1943.

Clarence entered the Army in 1945 and served until 1964. After being discharged from the Army, he returned to the Avoca area and began working in gas stations in the surrounding areas.

In the early 1980s Clarence entered AA and while in the program he remained very active and counseled many of the members all around the area.

In 1989, Clarence entered Conception Abbey and after four years he was ordained on October 9, 1993. After four years of study and being ordained he became a Deacon at St. Mary's Catholic Church where he particularly enjoyed teaching the 12th grade religious education classes. He participated and was an active member of the local pastors' meeting that met monthly.

His parents and his sister, Janice Christensen, preceded Clarence in death. He is survived by other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, October 3 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Avoca. Celebrants included Bishop Joseph Charron, Father Reischl, Father Frost, Father Polich and Deacon Stephen Rallis.

Interment was in Graceland Cemetery at Avoca, with military graveside rites by Avoca American Legion Post #227.