Obit: Christensen, Alfred Edwin “Ed” (1930 - 2019)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Christensen, Gritzmacher Oudekerk, Nemitz, Franz, Pascarella, Hall, Wallsch

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 3/20/2019

Christensen, Alfred Edwin “Ed” (28 August 1930 – 8 March 2019)

Alfred Edwin “Ed” Christensen of Neillsville passed away on March 8, 2019 to the great sadness of his family and friends.

Ed and Judy Christensen raised three children: Rick (Chris) Christensen Neillsville, Pam (Doug Oudekerk), Saint Paul and Sandi (James) Nemitz of Bloomer. Ed and Judy's grandchildren are Sarah Kranz, Erin Pascarella, Ricky Oudekerk, Joann Oudekerk, Lorna (Glenn) Hall, Nycki Nemitz Wallsch and Jim Nemitz. Ed and Judy's great-grandchildren children are Addisyn Kranz, Ayden and Antonio Pascarella, Dezariah and Coletin Wallsch, and Louie and Lilly Nemitz.

Ed married his life’s love, Judy (Joann Ruth Gritzmacher, died 2013) on Sept 1,1950, and they started their family in Belvidere, Il. Ed and Judy and their three young children moved to Minneapolis in 1962 where Ed continued his life’s career in construction. His commitment to excellence contributed to his mastery in plastering skills. Notable Minneapolis projects include interior construction on the first skyscraper in Minnesota, the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis. His creative drive and unique skills were utilized to restore elements of historical buildings including the State Theater in Minneapolis and the Minnesota State Capitol building.

Ed loved football and basketball. He was a passionate fan of professional teams as well as his son's teams and later his grandchildren's. Ed enjoyed season tickets to Vikings football and U of M men’s basketball.

Ed and Judy moved to Neillsville in 1973. Ed and his son, Rick, built a successful drywall and plastering construction company. They earned a strong reputation in medical facilities throughout the Midwest.

Ed discovered a passion for golf and gardening in Neillsville. Ed and Judy enjoyed hosting frequent family gatherings at their house near The Highground. Their love of family was limitless. Ed’s breakfast potatoes were as legendary as his epic gardens.

Ed loved people. Until his last hours, Ed met life and the people in it with a big smile and a sparkle in his bright blue eyes.

Per Ed's wishes, a private family gathering will be held at a future date.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Ed’s family with funeral arrangements.