Henry Don Christian Jr. died Monday, April 1, 2024, at his home with his wife Susan and his Kitty Lucy by his side. Don had been sick for one month and was under the care of Hospice. Don was the oldest son of Henry Christian Sr. and Martha Elizabeth Weaver. He was born Jan. 23, 1942, in Fort Smith, Ark.
Don graduated from Pocola High School in the small town of Pocola, Okla. After graduation he received a full academic scholarship to attend John Bron University in Siloam Springs, Ark. After graduation he taught chemistry and Biology at Van Buren High School from 1966-1973. During his years teaching he went back to get his master’s degree in biology from Fisk University. Wanting to provide a better standard of living for his three children, he started a new career at ABF trucking (Arkansas Best Freight) as License and Revenue manager. He retired in 2004 after 32 years of service. He married Susan Samuel in 2004 and together they began Susan’s career as a Lutheran minister. Their first call was to LaMoure N.D. In LaMoure Don trained for and became an EMT for CVEMS and a school bus driver for the pre-school children of LaMoure. Don was active in the community and in 2009 was named the Community Person of the Year. In 2011 Don and Susan moved to Merrill, Wis., and served Calvary Lutheran Church. Don had many hobbies that he enjoyed, gardening, beer and wine making, woodworking, genealogy, and canning. Susan and Don made one more move to Tomahawk in 2018 and served at Grace Lutheran Church. Don was very active in the church.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Henry and mother, Martha Elizabeth and one brother, Jerry Christian. He is survived by three children, Stephen D. Christian, Libby D. Peterson and Philip Henry Christian. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Christopher Badalik and Katharine Leigh and their spouses. He had eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He has one brother, Jim who survives him.
Services were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Julie Sinkula officiating. Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. to time of service. Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12, 2024 at Lakeview Memorial Park, Oshkosh.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family.
Online condolences for the family may be directed to www.nimsgernfuneral.com. Krueger-Nimsgern Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family.