Kenneth Christiansen

Kenneth Christiansen, 83, of Pender, Nebraska died on Saturday, March 23, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona. Funeral services for Kenny will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at 10:30 A.M. at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Pender; Pastor Miles Ruch will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Friday from 3:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender. The family will be present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Friday evening. Burial with military honors will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Kenny was born on September 14, 1929 in West Point, Nebraska, the son of Harold and Louise (Kai) Christiansen. He attended school at Pender, graduating from Pender High School in 1948. After graduation, Kenny worked for his father in the construction business. In 1951, Kenny joined the United States Army, where he served in Korea with the 45th Infantry Division for one year. He received by combat Infantry Badge, along with the Korean Service Medal, two bronze stars and several other ribbons and medals. After two years in the Army, he returned home and rejoined his father in the construction business. He remained active in the business until his retirement in 1982. He served as President for fourteen years with Christiansen Construction. On October 17, 1954, Kenny was united in marriage to Faye Heyne. To this union four children were born: Laureen, Sheryl, Kevin and Harold. Kenneth was active in St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the Chancellors Club at the University of Nebraska, Elks, was a life member of American Legion Post #55 and a life member of VFW Post #6928, the Pender Vets Honor Guard, and the Pender Chamber of Commerce. He was a past member of the Pender Volunteer Fire Department, the Pender J.C.’s, served on Church Council, the Village Board, Pender Economic Development Committee and the Pender planning board. He also served as Chairman of the Pender Centennial Committee and was a member of the Associated General Contractors. Kenny enjoyed cruises, golfing, fishing, Nebraska Football, his grandchildren, playing sports and spending the Winters at his home in Arizona. Kenny is survived by his wife Faye of Pender, NE; Children: Laureen and husband Dave Whitney of Conway, AR, Sheryl and husband Alan Anderson of Henderson, NV, Kevin and wife Julie of Pender, NE and Harold and wife Julie of Lincoln, NE. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jacob Whitney, Emily (JR) Hartle, Laura Clements, Michael (Ryann) Pagels, Mandy (Jason) Deckler, Matthew Pagels, Ashley Christiansen (fiancé Chris Di Lorenzo), Adam Christiansen, Danae Christiansen, Jason Christiansen, Amanda Christiansen, and great grandchildren: Kennedy, Spencer, Neil, Emersyn, Jof and Josephine. Kenny is also survived by his sisters: Sharon Buchholz, Faye Ross and husband Roger all of Pender, NE; brothers Butch and wife Duff Christiansen of Columbus, NE, Joel Christiansen of Lincoln, NE and Mert and wife Deb Christiansen of Pender; two sisters-in-law Elaine Christiansen and Jill Christiansen of Pender, NE and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: Densil and Norman Christiansen.