Christian Christensen, known to his friends as ‘Chris’ or ‘Christy,’ born January 10, 1941, brought joy to the world until his passing on December 11, at the age of 84. He was greeted in the afterlife by his father, Christian; mother, Evelyn (Knabe); wife, Noreen; daughter, Renee Bass; son-in-law, Ron Bass; and sisters, Nancy (Don) Bugni, Karen (Elmer) Miller, and Bernadine (Warren) Balcom. He leaves behind his son, David (Julie); sister, Ruth (the late Mike) Weber; grandchildren, Tricia, Zach, Chelsey, Austin, Madison, and Etta; along with countless great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom carry a piece of his vibrant spirit.

Chris was a man of many talents and adventures. He joined the Army at 17, embarking on a journey that took him to Germany and allowed him to travel Europe. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to buy and operate a bar (as he said – so he could drink for half-price!), work on a shrimp boat, dig in the mines, and numerous other jobs until he retired as a lumber buyer. Growing up in Marenisco, MI, he was an exceptional athlete dominating the basketball court in school and later developed an unwavering love for softball. Some of his best stories came from weekend tournaments with friends, traveling across the UP and northern Wisconsin. He helped bring a softball field to the town and started one of the biggest tournaments in the area—a tournament that he attended almost every year since its inception over 50 years ago and played his last softball game in 2008 when he was 67! When he moved to Rockland, he fully embraced his new roles as husband to Noreen and father to Renee and David, shifting his focus to family life and attending every concert, play, activity, and sporting event of his beloved children and grandchildren.

Chris had a heart as big as his laugh. He thrived on community involvement and cherished his time in the Lions Club, American Legion, and VFW, always ready to lend a hand. If you knew Chris, you knew he’d do anything for anyone. Conversations with him left you feeling heard, and he had a knack for chatting with strangers like old friends. He had a story for every occasion and a joke for every gathering (some of them were even funny!). When he wasn’t at a community event or meeting, Chris could often be found playing cards with friends, at his favorite slot machine in the casino, or taking leisurely rides around town (since he quit driving, the Amish have complained less about slow drivers on the road!).

Chris didn’t want gloom or sorrow; he wanted laughter and celebration. He envisioned a true gathering of friends and family after his passing, filled with joy, food, and fun. So, let’s honor him in style! Please join us in celebrating Chris’s extraordinary life on January 10 (which would have been his 85^th birthday) at The Log Cabin in Bangor, WI from 12 PM to 4 PM. There will be delicious food, drinks, cards to be played, and, of course, plenty of stories to share!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sunshine on the Trail.

Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.

Please visit CouleeCremation.com to share condolences with the family.