Donald "Chris" W. Christenson, age 81, of Winnebago, died Wednesday morning, July 22, 2009 at Park View Health Center. Born on November 5, 1927 in Antigo, Wisconsin to Lawrence and Lucille (Nickolai) Christenson, Don married Josephine "JoAnn" Christenson on July 1, 1950.


During WWII, Don served with the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Warhawk (AP108), obtaining the rank of Seaman 2nd Class at his discharge. For 39 years, Don was employed by Winnebago Mental Health Institute as an institutional aide before retiring in 1987.


Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Christenson of Winnebago; two daughters, Kathy (George) Basler of Neenah and Karin (David) Early of Colorado City, Texas; one son, Craig Christenson of Oshkosh; and two grandchildren, Ashley and Aaron Basler. Preceding Don in death were his parents and two brothers, Russell and Wallace Christenson.


Don was a devoted family man. He and JoAnn spent 59 years as loving and inseparable partners. Together they created a legacy of love and devotion that they can be extremely proud of. The love he showed and the sacrifices he made for his children and grandchildren are a testament to his character. He was an extraordinarily hard worker, who worked countless hours of overtime, to give his wife and children a better life. At home he loved working in his large vegetable garden to provide fresh food for his family. Don took the commandment to love your neighbor to heart and there was nothing he would not do to help someone in the tight knit community of Winnebago where he lived his adult life. Don appreciated the gift of life and felt that it should be lived to the fullest. He loved to travel and was especially moved by the beauty of nature. He never lost the childlike quality to be moved by new experiences. Don was an avid gambler who enjoyed casino trips especially when they brought the family together. Packer Sundays were a special time for Don as it gave him another time to gather and celebrate with the family. He was noted for making an excellent Old Fashioned and sharing them with family and friends over happy hour. Blessed with a great sense of humor, he liked to make others smile, laugh, and was happy when he could brighten the lives of others. This trait remained strong even as Don struggled courageously against lung cancer in the final months of his life. As an irreplaceable anchor to his family he will be sorely missed by all. Yet because of the way Don constantly demonstrated love and selflessly lived his life with concern for others, we rest in the assurance that we will all see Don again very soon in an eternity without suffering or pain.


The family would like to thank the staff of Parkview Health Center for their compassionate care of Don in his final days.


In honor of Don's wishes his remains will be cremated and no public service will be conducted. To honor Don please take a moment to recall a happy memory of him and consider making a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society.


Seefeld Funeral and
Cremation Services
(920) 236-7750