William E. Christensen, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary William E. Christensen, obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

William E. “Bill”Christensen

Date of Birth February 23, 1927
Passed Away On October 27, 2014
At Age 87 years
Resident of Fremont, NE
United States Veteran
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William E. 'Bill Christensen age 87
of Fremont
Died Monday October 27, 2014
at Nye Pointe in Fremont

Bill Christensen was born on February 23, 1927, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Emiel J. Christensen and Clara A. Newmyer. He grew up in Columbus during the Great Depression, where he attended school. He graduated from Columbus High School at the age of 17 and joined the US Navy to serve in World War II.

After service in the Navy, Bill attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, on the GI Bill. After receiving his undergraduate degree, and being interrupted in his studies by being called up for the Korean War, Bill attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, receiving his PhD. Subsequently, Bill taught History for 31 years at Midland College.

In 1964, Bill married Judy Geer, and they had 2 children, Bryan and Andrea, now of Boston and Los Angeles, respectively.

A loving father, teacher and friend, Bill will be sorely missed by those who knew him. He was an avid gardener, and enjoyed playing the fiddle and hosting parties. His wine and cheese parties, particularly at 'Pawito', his acreage outside Columbus, were not to be missed and are remembered fondly by all who attended them. He was also known for his portrayal of John C. Fremont at the annual town celebrations. He was the author of several scholarly works, including the histories of Dana and Midland colleges, as well as numerous stories and articles. Bill was a member of First Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post 20 both of Fremont.

He is survived by his two children Bryan (Beth) Christensen and Andrea (J.J.) Christensen; 3 grandchildren, Alex, Sarah, and Jason Christensen of Ashland, Massachusetts, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The funeral will be 10:30am Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. A luncheon will follow the service. The burial will be at 1:30pm at the Lyons Cemetery in Lyons, NE. with Military Honors. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3pm to 8pm with the family receiving friends from 6pm to 8pm all at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont.

Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com




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Services

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

October 29, 2014

3:00pm to 8:00pm

Map ↗

Visitation

Ludvigsen Mortuary - Fremont

1249 E. 23rd St.

Fremont, NE, 68025

October 29, 2014

Family present from 6-8

Map ↗

Funeral Service

Funeral Service

First Lutheran Church

3200 East Military Avenue

Fremont, NE, 68025

October 30, 2014

10:30 AM

Map ↗

Graveside Service

Lyons Cemetery

Lyons, NE

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Condolences (22)

S
Sue & Elliott Moeser Glendale, WI November 4, 2014
"Sue and I both owe Dr. Christensen a great deal for the positive influence he had in our lives. Dr. Christensen was our advisor at Midland. We graduated from Midland in 1069 & 1970. He was our instructor and guided us through Midland with his positive and good advice. We often thought of Dr. Christensen after graduation and the role he played in shaping our lives and careers. My respect for academics was influenced by Dr. Christensen. My enthusiasm for History and learning was certainly nurtured by our respect for him. Sue and I often reflect that Dr. Christensen was a positive role model for our future lives and careers. I also am proud to call Dr. Christensen a fellow Kappa Phi. Thank you Bill Christensen."
N
Nancy Harms & Gerhart Wehrbein Elkhorn, NE November 2, 2014
"Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. Bill was a dear friend and colleague as I served as chair in the nursing department. His support was always appreciated. There are many fond memories of attending the gatherings at PaWiTo as well as at his home. He was always a very generous host. His knowledge, dedication and humor will truly be missed. We were out of the state so unable to attend the services. Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
L
Larry Collier Anaheim Hills, CA November 1, 2014
"I had Bill for " Western Civilization" the first year he taught at Midland in 1957. Years later I kidded him that he'd given me a "C" for the class. His response was, "Because you deserved it, Larry." Prior to his retirement, he told me he was the youngest professor at Midland when he first came, and now he was the oldest. Always enjoyed his humor and intelligence. He lived, shared and was proud of Midland's history and heritage. God love him for his impact on all who knew him. Wish he could have been there for my recent Athletic Hall of Fame induction."
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