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CHRISTENSEN, John Edward (48384)

Parents

Birth

  • Born on June 01, 1929 in Hartford, Hartford Co., CT

Death

  • Died on May 02, 2014 in East Granby, Hartford Co., CT
  • Buried in Grove Cemetery in Windsor Locks, Hartford Co., CT

Marriages

Children

Notes

  • Obituary: John Edward Christensen "Chris" died peacefully in his sleep on May 2, 2014, at age 84. He was born on June 1, 1929 in Hartford. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Lois (Bingham) Christensen; his parents, John and Edwina (Wilson) Christensen; a brother, Richard and his wife, Annette Christensen; a sister-in-law, Rosalie Christensen; and his favorite dog, Red. He leaves to mourn his passing, two children, a son, Stanley and his wife Kim Christensen; a daughter Donna and her husband Tim Holland; five grandchildren, Justin Holland, Jason Holland and his wife Kelly, Marc Holland and his wife Christine, Matt Holland and his wife Kortney, and David Boehm and his wife Marissa; five great grandchildren, Jacob, Caitlin, Emma, and Lee Holland and Andrew Boehm; two brothers, Robert Christensen and Donald Christensen; a cousin, Annetta Robinson; and numerous nieces and nephews. "Chris" was the oldest of the four brothers, and his fondest memories of his childhood were of the summers spent on grandparents Wilson's farm in Warren, MA, hanging out at the "swimming hole". He met the love of his life at Weaver High School in Hartford. Lois Bingham played the French horn and Chris played the sousaphone in the school band. They were married the year after graduation on November 27, 1948. Chris' love of marching music lasted his whole life. He was a member of the Connecticut State Guard Band. In 1950, he joined the Army during the Korean War. He was assigned to the 43rd Infantry Division Band and later was transferred to the 269th Army Band in Yokohama, Japan. He was honorably discharged as Sergeant in 1952. When he returned to Connecticut he took a position as a printer for Bond Press Inc. and worked there for many years. Eventually, he moved his family to East Granby. During the 34 years in East Granby, Chris was a busy man. He became an EMT and helped start the East Granby Ambulance. After 17 years of dedicating his life to saving others, he and Lois retired to Florida. For 10 years, they enjoyed the Florida sunshine while floating around in their pool. In 2005, they returned to be closer to their family. Chris had many interests and hobbies including going to races at Riverside Speedway, square dancing, and late night bocce games on his lighted court. Proud of his military service, he was a member of Gensi-Viola Post #36, American Legion in Windsor Locks. His passion for woodworking swelled into a small business known as "Chris's Crafts". He enjoyed all types of fishing, no matter the weather. Chris and his son-in-law, Tim, both too proud to call it quits, even when they were frozen to the bone, because "the Big One" was still out there. In Chris's later years, he and his brother Bob prowled the Connecticut River to wrangle in the wily catfish. He played golf with his brother Don, nephew Anthony, and son-in-law Tim in Connecticut and Florida. Card Games!! Wild pinochle games with Donna and Tim, cribbage with Lois. When the grandsons saw Chris, they would shout "Grandpa! Cards!! Music!! Marching music blared from the speakers, as Chris would square his corners, marching around the house. Baking pies…oh the memories- too many to list. Chris spent the last 15 months as the "Mayor of Meadowbrook". He made many friends, from the staff to the other residents. Everything he loved to do, he was able to continue at Meadowbrook, including making crafts, listening to his favorite music, and having lunch with his buddies. But best of all, he loved putting together jigsaw puzzles with his favorite and special friend Gracie Allen. He could not have been happier anywhere else. Here's to Meadowbrook of Granby. A BIG THUMBS UP!! His family will receive friends on Friday, May 9, 10-11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., at the Hayes-Huling & Carmon Funeral Home, 364 Salmon Brook St., Granby. Chris will be laid to rest following the service at the funeral home. He will be buried next to Lois in Grove Cemetery, Windsor Locks.
  • Military Service: Korea US Army
  • Occupation: Printer/ Emergency Medical Technician

Sources

  • Newspaper Obituary: Obituary May 2014 Connecticut

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