A funeral service for Donald L. Christensen will be held on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Alma United Methodist Church in Alma, Nebraska with Pastor Seong Lee and Reverend Jean Clayton officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the Orleans Cemetery, Orleans, Nebraska, with Military honors provided by the Fay Cady American Legion Post #118 of Alma, and the Harold Morin American Legion Post #184 of Orleans, in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team.
Donald Lee “Don” Christensen, 91 years of age, of Alma, died on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege, Nebraska. Don was born on July 28, 1932 in Orleans, Nebraska, the twelfth of thirteen children, born to Holger and Emma Christine (Noren) Christensen. He was baptized at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Woodruff, Kansas in the 1940s. Don received his primary education from North Lewisburg Rural District #59 and Fairview Rural District #23 in Harlan County, Nebraska. He graduated from Long Island High School, Long Island, Kansas in 1950.
Following his education, he resided with his parents North of Woodruff in Harlan County until he was drafted into the United States Army on November 18, 1952. Don served during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on November 2, 1954.
On April 1, 1956, Don was united in marriage to Jean Walker at the United Methodist Church in Alma. The couple made their home in Edison, Nebraska until 1960, when they purchased a farm one mile South and one mile West of Alma. The couple was blessed with five children: Jerry Don, who died in infancy on July 10, 1957, Kathy, Kirk, Greg, and Randy. Don was a dedicated farmer and cattleman, who was intertwined with the land he loved. He spent over five decades toiling in the fields and feeding his cattle to provide for his family. Don passed this love and knowledge of the land to the next generations, his sons, and grandchildren, who continue to follow in his footsteps.
Don loved to spend time with his family and attend his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities. He also enjoyed Nebraska Football, coffee, playing cards, and spending time with his siblings, nieces and nephews.
He was a devoted member of the Alma United Methodist Church, where he served as a Trustee; he served on the Alma CO-OP Equity Board; was a member and helped honor other veterans with the Fay Cady American Legion Post #118; and was a Boy Scout Council member in Alma.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Alta (Baker) Walker; his siblings: Mildred (William) Wessels; Earl Christensen in infancy; Raymond (LaVern) Christensen; Wayne and wives, (Irene) (June) Christensen; Doris Christensen in infancy; Lawrence Christensen; Wesley (Elma) Christensen; Doris and husbands, (Lyle Steenis) (Wayne Smith); Roy (Anne) Christensen; Virgil Christensen; Darrell Christensen; and Arlene (Marvin) Kammerer; three brothers-in-law: Floyd (Agatha) Walker; Robert (LaDonna) Walker; and Donald Walker; two sisters-in-law: Margaret (Lee) Hooper; and Ruth (Fred) Inman; and a son-in-law, Verle Finke in 2020.
Don leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, Jean Christensen of Alma; his children: Kathy Finke of Lincoln, Nebraska; Kirk Christensen and his wife, Audrey of Alma; Greg Christensen and his wife, Mary Jo of Alma; and Randy Christensen of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; 12 grandchildren: Taylor Finke, Josh Finke, Eric (Katy) Christensen, Trent Christensen, Mitchell (Tristin) Christensen, Heather (Jason) Webster, Ariel (Will) Neumeyer, Austin Christensen, Alan (Jenna) Christensen, Aimee (Zane) Petersen, Brandy (Ben) Johnson, and Samantha (Jamie) Tilson; 26 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Jean’s twin sister, June Christensen of Topeka, Kansas; along with many nieces, nephews and many friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 8, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Alma United Methodist Church, with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
A memorial has been established in Don’s honor, and kindly suggested to the Alma United Methodist Church, Holdrege Memorial Homes, or the Harlan County Health System – Clinic Fund. Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements