Ralph E. Christensen

Dec. 15, 1913-March 24, 2005

BEAVER CITY -- Ralph E. Christensen, 91, died Thursday (March 24, 2005) at Beaver City Manor.

He was born Dec. 15, 1913 at Orleans, to Theodore and Millie (Noren) Christensen. He grew up in the Orleans and Beaver City area and attended country school.

On Dec. 11, 1935, he married Hazel Hardenbrook at Beaver City. They farmed south of Beaver City for six years, then moved west of Beaver City where they continued to farm until retiring in the fall of 2002, at which time he entered the manor. His wife died Jan. 6, 2003.

He served on the school board and the Furnas County Election Board and was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as an elder and trustee for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Hazel; a son, Doran in 1993; a grandson, Ryan Rupe in 1970; his brother, Paul; and three sisters, Edith, Edna and Estillene.

Survivors include one son, Neal and wife, Karen Christensen of Lincoln; two daughters, Sharon and husband, John Rupe of Holdrege, and Linda and husband, Wayne Pate of Cropwell, Ala.; a daughter-in-law, Sue Christensen of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters, Elsie Dunlap of Beaver City and Effie Champlin of Wichita, Kan.; a sister-in-law, Geraldine Christensen of Holdrege; a brother-in-law, Bob and wife, Erma Hardenbrook of Thornton, Colo.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, 10:30 a.m., at First Christian Church in Beaver City with the Rev. Phil Olsen officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Beaver City.

Visitation and viewing is Sunday, 1-8 p.m., at Wenburg Funeral Home in Beaver City and Monday, prior to services, at the church.

Condolences or personal reflections can be left at wenburgfuneralhome.com

Wenburg Funeral Home of Beaver City is in charge of arrangements.