Christen J. Grorud, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

Christen J.Grorud

Date of Birth January 4, 1979
Passed Away On January 24, 2016
At Age 37 years
Resident of Jakarta, TX
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Christen J. Grorud age 37 of Jakarta, Indonesia
Formerly of Fremont, Died Sunday, January 24, 2016

Christen Joseph Grorud was born January 4, 1979 in St. Paul Minnesota to Mark and Caryl (Christensen) Grorud. He was baptized as a Child of God on January 28, 1979. Chris grew up in Fremont, Nebraska, was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at First Lutheran Church and graduated from Fremont High School as a class valedictorian in 1997. Chris excelled at debate and running track and cross-country in high school.

Chris received his B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from St. Olaf College in Northfield MN, a M.A. in Southeast Asia Studies from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, a M.A. from the University of Washington, Seattle in History and did significant advanced work toward his doctoral studies in Indonesian politics and history at the University of Washington.

Indonesian studies and culture were Chris' passion. He spent significant amounts of time over the past 15 years studying, researching, teaching and working in Indonesia.

Chris was a member of Saint Michael Lutheran Church in Omaha.

Chris loved life. He had a deep and abiding interest in caring for those forgotten or neglected by society. He made friends easily and had many, many friends in locations around the world. His wit, his humor and his brilliant mind captured the hearts of all he met. He was deeply loved.

Chris died in his sleep of natural causes on January 24, 2016 in Jakarta, Indonesia at the age of 37 years. He is survived by his parents, Rev. Mark and Caryl Grorud of Fremont, Nebraska; sister and brother-in-law Marit and Mark Sullivan of Hudson, Wisconsin; three nephews, Paul Robert, Andrew Max and Thomas Arthur Sullivan of Hudson; other relatives and many, many friends. Chris is preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev. Arthur and Minnie Grorud and Max and Marjorie Christensen.

Graveside services will be 10am Tuesday at Memorial Cemetery in Fremont with a service celebrating Chris' life and the promise of God's grace and love to follow at 11am Tuesday at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. The family will be present from 5pm to 8pm Monday at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont to receive friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the family and will be used to establish the Christen J. Grorud Endowed Memorial Fund for Student Support at the Southeast Asia Center of the Jackson School for International Studies at the University of Washington in Seattle. If you wish to give a gift directly to remember Chris you can find his memorial fund online at giving.uw.edu/grorud. Thank you for sharing in his memory in this way.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
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Services

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

February 8, 2016

With Family 5pm to 8pm

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Funeral Service

Memorial Service

First Lutheran Church

3200 East Military Avenue

Fremont, NE, 68025

February 9, 2016

11:00 AM

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Graveside Service

Memorial Cemetery 10:00am Tuesday

800 West 23rd Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

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Condolences (20)

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Linda and Bob Betkie Fremont, NE February 8, 2016
"Pastor Mark, Caryl and family,

There are no words to ease the depth of your loss. Chris was such an outstanding young man with an amazing soul. When Bob lost his brother, his Mom said through her tears, "You know you will bury your parents, you may have to bury your spouse, but you never expect to bury your child." That level of loss is incomprehensible. Know that Chris will live on through all those he touched. May God's loving arms comfort you all during this challenging time. Sincerely, Bob and Linda Betkie"
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LEONARD & CAROL NIELSEN FREMONT, NE February 8, 2016
"Mark & Caryl and family,

It been along time since we seen each other, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. May God be a constant comfort to you in the coming weeks and month and give you peace.

In Christ Now and Forever,


Leonard & Carol Nielsen
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Matt and Emily Ridder Fremont, NE February 8, 2016
"Dear Caryl and Pastor Mark~

We are deeply sorry for the loss of your son. Know that we are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort, strength, and peace in the days ahead.
Love,
Matt and Emily Ridder"
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