LeRoy “Chris” Christensen
LeRoy “Chris” Christensen, 88, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2012 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, and went to be with his Lord and Savior.
LeRoy was born October 14, 1924 in Saco, Montana to Jens and Alma Christensen. He graduated from Saco High School in 1942, and worked as a Linotype Operator for the Saco Independent. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Germany, France, and England. He was in the 76th Infantry Division and served from 1943 through 1946. He received three honorary service medals.
After returning home from the Army, he moved to Harlem, MT where he was employed with Buttrey Foods. He worked as a projection operator at the Harlem Theatre in the evenings, and this is where he met the “love of his life”, Helen Klingler.
They were married February 13, 1949 in Harlem, in a double ceremony with her sister, Bernice & Norman Mavencamp. They were blessed with a son and three daughters. They moved to Chinook, MT and purchased the Cozy Corner Confectionary and operated it for two years. Chris was offered a job as a Produce Manager with Buttrey Foods in Lewistown, so they packed the family up and moved. Chris and his family loved the area and spent many weekends going fishing and camping. After spending five years in Lewistown, Chris was offered a job as the Manager of Buttrey Foods and was transferred to Browning. After two years in Browning he was transferred to Chinook, where he worked as the Store Manager of Buttrey Foods until he retired in 1987.
During their time in Chinook, Chris and Helen were actively involved in the annual art show and became close friends with many of the artists. After his retirement, they moved to Helena to be closer to their children. Chris and Helen loved the Helena Jazz festival and volunteered at many of the shows. Chris had a love of fishing, hiking, camping, and spending time with his family. He had a love of gardening and spent many hours working in his garden. He especially enjoyed the family vacations in Glacier Park, where he spent most of his time videotaping his family and the beauty of the Park.
Chris dedicated his life to Christ 1995 and loved going to church every Sunday until his Alzheimer’s prevented him from attending.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents; Jens and Alma Christensen, his brothers; Orville and Wallace Christensen, his sister-in-law; Myrtle Christensen, his son-in-law; Pat Phares and his niece; Lois Ernst.
Chris is survived by his wife; Helen of Helena, his son; Bob Christensen of Helena, his daughters; Barb Jamieson of Helena, Deb (Marshall) Alwerdt of Great Falls, and Diane (Cody) Christian of Folsom, CA. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Kirterra Capps, Jason Jamieson, Annette Jamieson, Shaun and Chad Phares, Richelle Alwerdt, and nine great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, November 5, 2012 at the Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback, with Military Honors to follow at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison. A reception will follow the graveside service at the fellowship hall of the church. Memorials may be sent in Chris’ name to the Life Covenant Building Fund, 800 N. Hoback, Helena, MT 59601; Hospice of St. Peter’s, 2475 Broadway St., Helena, MT 59601 or to charitable organization of donor’s choice. To offer a condolence or share a memory of Chris, please visit below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 5, 2012
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
12:15 p.m.
Monday November 5, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following graveside service
Monday November 5, 2012
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 5, 2012
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
Inurnment
12:15 p.m.
Monday November 5, 2012
Montana State Veterans Cemetery with Military Honors
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Reception
Following graveside service
Monday November 5, 2012
Life Covenant Church
800 N. Hoback
Helena, Montana 59601
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Dirk White says
In reading the obit it sounds like “Chris” was an amazing man! My thoughts are with you.
Bruce Wold says
Truely gave me opportunities to succeed! My memories of Chinook include many with Chris and Helen and family. Chris always kept track of me and how I was doing. A terrible diasese for all to deal with and I know how difficult on him and you all, to live through this. I will always remember his smile when he knew I was up to something(usually pulling something on him). During the holidays he always let me leave for Cut Bank way before he should have, so I could be with my family. OH THE MEMORIES OF THE OLD BUTTREY FOOD DAYS!!!!
Anna Rolando says
Our hearts and thoughts are with you all. It was an honor to have known Chris and we will always treasure the time we spent with your family. Blessings, Anna Rolando
Helen Bunkowske says
My sincere sympathy to you Helen, Bob and Barb. It was my previledge to be a Hospice volunteer and serve Chris as my patient. His smile was so contagious and I also loved the way he always said “Thank You” whenever I answered him. May the Lord give you comfort and peace.
God bless, Helen B.
Dick and Lori Schultz says
Helen and Family, We were sorry to hear about Chris.. Our prayers are with you and the family….Dick and Lori Schultz
Kelly Schroeder Rhimer says
Helen and family, so sorry to hear about the loss of Chris. Only met him a few times but he had a contagious smile and a great sense of humor. Such a terrible disease he passed from, and the heart ache your family has been through. But what wonderful memories you have. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Susan Helmle Miller says
I have fond memories of Chris at the Chinook store. He was a kind gentle man and his customer service was notable. Chris and others of his generation contribute to the fond memories I have of Chinook. It is sad for me to hear of his passing but the memories will last.
Paul Christensen says
Uncle LeRoy blessed all of us with his friendly smile, his interest in what was happening in our lives, his words of encouragement, and acts of kindness and generosity. His contagious smile and laughter communicated joy and hope. My memories of Uncle LeRoy were mostly from family visits to Chinook, where he and Aunt Helen always graciously welcomed our large family into their home and showed personal interest in our individual lives, as well as family reunions in Glacier Park and Saco, from where we have many fond memories and lasting friendships. Thank you, Uncle LeRoy and Aunt Helen!
Glen and Shirley Sutheimer says
Dear Helen, Bob and Barb,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We enjoyed reading the write up in the paper… It sounds like Chris was a wonderful man and you had a great life together. It’s easy to see where Bob gets his love for the outdoors…and fishing. : ) Hold on to the memories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Glen and Shirley
Nanette Hicks says
Dear Helena, Bob, Barb, Deb and Diane,
I was very sorry to hear about Chris. My heart goes out to all of you. He was a wonderful man and I have many fond memories of him and my time spent with all of you. Heaven has welcomed a very special angel and he will be there watching over all of you & he will stay close at heart with all the wonderful memories that you shared with him. Hugs to all of you!
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. Nan and Ron Hicks