Finch Funeral Home recently issued the following announcement.
RICHARD E. (CHRIS) CHRISTENSEN
February 08, 1929 - March 01, 2021
Richard E. Christensen
February 8, 1929 - March 1, 2021
Richard E. (Chris) Christensen died March 1, 2021 at Oakcrest Retirement Center, DeKalb IL. He was born in Viborg, SD to Andrew and Vera (Hofgren) Christensen. Richard married Swanhild J. Staurland in DeKalb, IL on June 25, 1955. They celebrated their 65th anniversary last June. A nearly lifelong resident of DeKalb, he and his beloved wife Swany raised eight children.
Richard served in the Marine Corp as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1959. He was a DeKalb School Board member in the 1980s
Richard was an avid fisherman, enjoying annual fishing trips to Canada with his brother-in-law Harold and friend Eldon. He and Swany traveled extensively including over 20 vacations to Disney World, cruises, and trips to Norway, London and many states including Hawaii and Alaska. Their children fondly remember summers at the lake cabin in WI and trips to many states.
Richard and his brother-in-law, Harold Staurland, started Chris and Harold’s Carpet Service in 1962 and successfully worked in DeKalb County for over 30 years, throwing in their comedy routines for free.
Richard is survived by his wife, Swany of DeKalb; Tonia (Gene) Morris, Malta; Dennis, Aurora; Eric (Michelle), DeKalb; Roger (Michelle), Kingston; Chuck (Connie), David (Sherry), and Jerry (Kathie), all of Sycamore. Grandchildren Tracy, Jennifer, Scott; Matthew (Kristen) and Ashley; Claire (Casey) and Ross; Jeremy; Amanda, Jacob and Emily; Alycia, Jake, and Nick. Also eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; Sister-in-law Judy (Craig) McGregor and many nieces and nephews.
Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Robert and sisters Signe, Jeanette, and Charlotte; son Norman in 1992; and grandson Kevin Anderson in 2007; and his brother-in-law, Harold in 2021.
There will be no services. A celebration of life is planned for a later date. Memorials can be made to the Richard E. Christensen Memorial Fund in care of Finch Funeral Home and Crematorium, 310 Oak St., DeKalb IL.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Finch Funeral Home
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