John Andrew Christensen, 82
John Andrew Christensen, 82, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2006, at his home in Kalispell.
He was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Gardena, N.D., one of 15 children born to Martin and Christine (Kalland) Christensen. John was raised in Kenmare, N.D., where he graduated from high school in 1941.
Shortly after, he went to Fort Peck and worked in a warehouse of the dam project there. Fort Peck is where he met his beloved wife-to-be, Alice Braaten. He enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1944 and became a B17 pilot. On Jan. 21, 1945, he and Alice were married in Hutchinson, Minn., while he was on leave. After his discharge in November 1945, he and Alice lived for a short time in Hutchinson, then in Hunter, N.D., where he worked on a farm.
In early 1947, they moved to Kalispell where they raised their seven children. John held various jobs, including positions at Conrad Bank and Hungry Horse Dam, before becoming one of the original employees for Anaconda Aluminum Company in Columbia Falls in 1955. He was payroll master for many years and demonstrated his keen interest in people by knowing everyone on a first-name basis. He opted for early retirement in 1982. He and Alice enjoyed spending a few winters traveling, then spent many happy years enjoying time with their extended family and their many close relatives and friends.
John's first love was serving the Lord, and he was a spiritual inspiration to many, setting a good example for his children and friends. He lovingly cared for his wife and loved working in his garden, sharing the fruits of his labor with many.
John was preceded in death by his wife in August of 2004, his parents, three infant siblings, one brother and four sisters.
He is survived by two sons, John Jr. and Ellen of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and David and Denay of Lakeside; five daughters, Karen and Joe Nelson of Petersburg, Alaska, JoAnne and Steve Hills of Idaho Falls, Judy and Steve Quigley, Marcia and Kevin Hagbom, and MaryAnn Christensen, all of Kalispell; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Alvin of Litchfield, Minn., and David and Duane, both of Bemidji, Minn.; three sisters, Ruth Nelson of Kalispell, Aimee Casey of Pueblo, Colo., and Elsie Broden of Libby; along with many dear relatives and friends.
Funeral services for John will be held at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, in the Expo Building at the Flathead County Fairgrounds with a potluck supper to follow. A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Buffalo Hills Funeral Home in Kalispell.
Burial will be Wednesday morning at Glacier Memorial Gardens.