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
Condolences(22)
Sue & Elliott Moeser
Glendale, WI Tuesday, 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.Nancy Harms & Gerhart Wehrbein
Elkhorn, NE Sunday, 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.Kim (Swanson) Guinn
Arvada, CO Saturday, November 1, 2014 Bryan and Andrea, I was so sad to hear of your father's death. Dr. Christensen was a colleague of my dad's (Byron Swanson) at Midland! And I spent many hours in your home - babysitting you two! I always regretted that I didn't take a class from him at Midland - everyone loved his classes! Please know your family is in my thoughts and prayers as you celebrate his amazing life! Kim (Swanson) GuinnLarry Collier
Anaheim Hills, CA Saturday, 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.Jeri Chase Christ
Omaha, NE Thursday, October 30, 2014 My prayers to the family. Dr.C was my favorite teacher. He was a born educator. I remember being amazed that he always knew everyone's name. He brought history alive and his passion was contagious. I decided to have a history minor just so I could take his classes. What a kind , wonderful man. God bless (class of 81)Jon & Karen (Moore) Peppmuller
Lincoln, NE Thursday, October 30, 2014 Bryan, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Your father was a great teacher and a great guy outside of class. Always looked forward to seeing him at Homecoming. Have to chuckle when I think of his wit. He will be missed!!!!Walter F. Taylor, Jr.
Columbus, OH Thursday, October 30, 2014 My wife and I were privileged to be students of Bill's early in his teaching career at Midland, and I worked for him in the history department. My Ph.D. is in New Testament, which built clearly on the instruction I received from him in how to do history. Both Dyann and I appreciated him so much, and I enjoyed seeing him at the occasional alumni event I was able to attend. Eternal rest grant him, O Lord.Mark D. Johns
Decorah, IA Thursday, October 30, 2014 Dr. Christensen was my teacher and faculty adviser in the early 1970s. He was an inspiring teacher who cared deeply for his students as individual persons. He was the first to suggest that I might consider an academic career, which was not even "on my radar" at the time. He has been a model for me in my own teaching, and I shall continue to remember him fondly.Todd Wragge
Pierce, NE Thursday, October 30, 2014 My sympathy to your family. Your Dad & Grandfather we a wonderful asset to Midland & the Fremont community. I have many great memories of having him as an instructor while at Midland. He was one of the first people I met, when I began at Midland in 1988 He will be very much missed!Bruce
Bakersfield, CA Thursday, October 30, 2014 Dr. Christensen was a great teacher and a great man. He touched the lives of many and wrote the most authentic multiple choice tests I've ever seen.Cal Stoltenberg
Norman, OK Thursday, October 30, 2014 One of the nicest, brightest people I've met. Dr. Christensen always rode his bike to work when I was at Midland. He let me use his parking place so I could come and go to classes in my Culligan truck. I'll continue to think of him often, and fondly.Allen Beermann
Lincoln, NE Thursday, October 30, 2014 Dr. Bill was an outstanding human being....and a wonderfulhistory teacher. I valued his friendship and the fact that he
was a fellow Kappa Phi.
Dr. Bill, through his teaching, added value to everyone's
education. A true asset comes off the Midland ledger sheet.
john
Helena, MT Wednesday, October 29, 2014 I attended Midland Lutheran College in the mid to late 60s. He made history come alive and taught me the relevance of continued interest in itand political science. Condolences to family and friends who loved him.
JoAnne Klosner
Omaha, NE Wednesday, October 29, 2014 Bill was my good friend from Who's Who in Omaha. I have so many fond memories of his Columbus Pawito, Houseboat trips, dinner parties, bridge games, etc. Everyone LOVED Bill. He will be missed by me and all his Omaha friends. May God bless your family.JoAnne Klosner
Omaha, NE Wednesday, October 29, 2014 Bill was my good friend from Who"s Who in Omaha. I have so many fond memories of his Columbus Pawito,Houseboat trips,dinner parties,bridge games etc.Everyone LOVED Bill. He will be missed by me and all his Omaha friends. May God bless your family.Steve
Omaha, NE Wednesday, October 29, 2014 God speed Dr. C., You were always among my favorite professors at Midland. I hope I can teach history half as well as you.Jim Jennings
Springfield, NE Wednesday, October 29, 2014 I've been a classroom teacher for 31 years and have to say that Dr. Christensen was one of the two best educators I have ever had! Such a great story teller and his tests were legendary! One of my favorite Midland memories is having note-taking contests with another student in Western Civ. Class. Prayers to the family for the loss of such a great teacher. Hope you get to meet all the figures of history you brought to life for so many of us. Jim Jennings Midland College Class of 1981.Jan
Fremont, NE Tuesday, October 28, 2014 You left big shoes for me to fill. I only hope I was as good as you as a history professor. Goodbye and rest well.Jan Hults
Gregg Kupfer
Omaha, NE Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Had Bill as a professor at Midland and also was a colleague of his at the college for 8 years. Meant to get to Pawito several times but didn't. Never met anyone more devoted to their subject matter or their students. Midland will always lack just a little with giants like Bill no longer roaming the campus. Rest in peace my good friend. Respectfully-Gregg KupferJoel & Patty Knudson
Omaha, NE Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Bryan and Andrea, it was certainly a privilege to have known your Dad. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your families during these difficult times but always remember the amazing man he was. I treasure the memories of the visits we had to the acreage outside Columbus, and being able to share many Thanksgivings with Bill. JOELBob A
Omaha, NE Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Dr. C was outstanding, I took a couple extra history courses @ Midland just because of him. RIPAudrey & Bob Egan
Grafton, MA Tuesday, October 28, 2014 Bryan and Andrea - we were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Bill was a wonderful person and father and will be missed by many. We are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love to you all.