Wayne Reid Christenson was born at home on the family farm outside of Jamestown, Kansas, on February 7, 1932, to Earl and Hazel Christenson. He graduated from Jamestown High School class of 1949. He married the love of his life, Patty Lou Fisher, December 17, 1950. The two of them enjoyed 67 years of marriage, never losing sight of their dedication to each other; their love, sorrow and joy an inspiration for friends and family.

Wayne enlisted in the US Army January 1953 and served active duty until November 1954. Wayne served in the infantry and saw front line action during the Korean War. He said that when he was deployed to Korea they loaded all the men into the back of a truck and then dropped them one at a time at their new units, he was the last one off the truck and the driver dropped him at the bottom of a hill, told to go over the hill to find his unit and to make sure he gave them his password, or they'd shoot him. He said of his time in Korea that it was the coldest he'd ever been and that he could just never get warm, and that every time he got cold since that time it always took him back to Korea.

Wayne started his career with Veterans Administration Health Care shortly after leaving the Army. His first job was as a medical administrative assistant. After discussion with Patty, it was decided to "shoot for the stars and see how far he could go" with his career. They followed that star to VA's in Kansas, Texas, Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, and South Dakota. That star led them to Fort Meade where Wayne served as Assistant to the Chief of Staff. It was from this position, after a career of over 30 years, that Wayne retired from in February 1987. After a short stint of "retirement" he returned to work for the DAV as a Service Officer, before retiring once again in April 1997. In 1994, Wayne was named Service Officer of the Year. Wayne took great pride in his work and dedicated over 40 years of service to helping other veterans.

Wayne and Patty had three children: Mark who was born when they were living in Topeka, KS; Nancy who was born in Concordia, KS, while Wayne made his way to his new posting in New Mexico; and Angie was born during their time in Portland, Oregon.

He spent many enjoyable hours camping, fishing, and hunting with friends and family. From the time his family moved to Sturgis they would group camp with friends, first in canvas tents, then campers, and eventually to trailers at "the river." They made their own fun and were always laughing and playing practical jokes on one another. There was never a dull moment, and some stories were still making the rounds years later - from Patty's walking at the "tippy" places going to the camp-site at the river, to the pontoon boat almost tipping over in the river, to Wayne's trophy walleye he caught by leaving his line at the edge of the shore overnight. And of course, there was a time or two where having a drink was involved.

Wayne was devoted to his family. They were always the forefront of his existence. He devoted the last years of his life to caring for his beloved Patty as her health became of concern. He was always willing to do anything for his children, grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He was involved in all their lives, when he was younger attending games, concerts, and events; and as he grew older and not as mobile he wanted to hear about how their lives were going and loved looking at the pictures. The walls of their home and the front of the refrigerator are a testimony of that love. Nothing could light up his face as much as seeing family.

Wayne, 86, Sturgis, died Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Sturgis Regional Hospital.

He is survived by his son, Mark (Kathy); daughters, Nancy (Randy) Plotz and Angie (Dave) Scott; grandchildren, Vincent (Delynda) Christenson, Holly (Marty) Spurlock, and Sarah (Trent) Whitted; great-grandchildren, Chyanne and Sophia Spurlock, Emma Reed, Olivia, and Trenton Whitted, and Brinley, Parker, and Brooklyn Christenson.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Patty, who departed this earth 5 months and 1 day prior to Wayne. He was also preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Earlene, Marcelle, and Sherry.

A wonderful man, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be loved and missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Going to Faith - you made it all the way!

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 23, one hour prior to services at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Burial, with military honors, will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.

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