Jesse Charles CHRISTIE

CHRISTIE, LEWIS, KUNKEL

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:42

February 1, 1949 ---- October 7, 1989

Services for Jesse Charles Christie, 40, Dayton, former resident of Klemme, who died Saturday, Oct. 7, 1989 at Los Playas, Mexico, were held Thursday, Oct. 12 at the Immanuel Reformed United Church of Christ in Klemme with Rev. Donald Walters officiating. Music was provided by Diane Stadtlander, organist. Casket bearers were Rich Trampel, Wayne Flaten, Mike Kuhlers, John Behrens, Noel Katter and Greg Tue. Burial was at the Ell Township Cemetery in Klemme with Tenold Funeral Homes in charge of arrangements.

Jesse Charles Christie, the son of Charles and Charlotte (Lewis) Christie, was born February 1, 1949 at Mason City. He graduated from Klemme High School in 1967. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1968 and served with Co. A 4th Battalion 23rd and 25th Infantry Division in the combat zones of Vietnam and Cambodia in 1969 and 1970. During these years of service he was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, "V" Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart and other awards of distinction for heroism and bravery. He was wounded in action and came close to losing his life in a hospital in Saigon.

December 2, 1978, he married Judy Ann Kunkel in Britt. They made their home in Klemme where Jess worked in construction and carpentry, as a member of the Carpenters Union. In 1986 they moved to Dayton to be closer to his job as a U.S. Postal employee at the Fort Dodge Post Office.

On October 4, 1989, in a desperate attempt to prolong his life, Jess and his mother flew to San Diego and to Mexico to enter him into treatment at the Immune Therapy Clinic for cancer patients. He took a turn for the worse before treatment was started and died of cancer in Los Playas.

Jess was baptized and confirmed member of the Immanuel Reformed Church of Christ of Klemme. He was an avid outdoorsman, active with rifle and archery organizations and a longtime member of the National Rifle Association. Before moving to Dayton he was a member of the Forest City Sky Divers Team.

He is survived by his wife Judy; children, Michelle, 10, and Jonathan, 7, and Derek, 3, all of Dayton; parents, Charles and Charlotte Christie of Klemme; two brothers, Max of Meservey and Bill of Garner; and his grandfather, George Christie of Klemme.

Garner Leader & Signal --- Garner, Iowa
18 October 1989