Michael Christen

Michael Eugene Christen of Merna, NE passed away on February 13th, 2016 at the age of 69. Mike was born on March 25th, 1946 in Broken Bow, NE to Leonard and Eileen (Vose) Christen. He grew up in the rural Victoria Springs community and attended the Farritor one-room school house through 8th grade. He graduated from Merna High School in 1965. Mike was awarded a track scholarship to McCook Junior College where he attended for two years prior to finishing college and earning his teaching degree from Panhandle State College in Goodwill, Oklahoma. It was during this time that Mike met and married the love of his life, Donna Ketterl on July 26th, 1968 in Herndon, KS. He went on to teach science and swimming at Turpin, OK and Raeville, NE and wrestling for Elgin Pope John. Mike and Donna moved to Broken Bow where he worked for National Farmers Organization, and Sargent Irrigation. On August 2nd, 1972 Mike joined the Nebraska National Guard in Broken Bow and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a proud career spanning nearly thirty years. During this span Mike was employed by the BNSF Railway where he worked as a Section Foreman and Track Inspector. After retiring from the railroad in 2006, he proudly displayed his final salary check from BNSF in the amount of $0.01. Upon retirement Mike kept extremely busy by helping with various jobs and projects around the community. He performed housing construction work for Dave Hendrickson, helped Donna with her busy babysitting duties, and was extremely proud of helping to build his "Aunt house on the lake". Mike always enjoyed hard work - cutting firewood, fixing fence, sharpening knives for everyone, felling trees and trimming limbs. Mike was loyal to the community and an avid volunteer. He was active with the Merna Volunteer Fire Department, Merna Rescue Squad, Broken Bow Elks, Knights of Columbus, and American Legion. He conducted numerous railway safety presentations for the Operation Lifesaver campaigns, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He enjoyed traveling with his wife, watching Husker football, and creating smiles on the faces of his grandchildren. Mike Christen was preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Eileen Christen. He is survived by his wife Donna, his son Darrell (Shannon) Christen of Hays, KS; his daughter Michelle (Lonnie) Burklund of Waverly, NE; grandchildren Porter, Delanie, Tate Burklund; Kaitlyn Christen; Xavier James; sister Patty (Bob) Taylor; brother Leonard (Debbie) Christen; sister JoAnn (Roger) Hunt; brother Doug (Steve) Christen; brother Ted (Becky) Christen; brother Dale (Kim) Christen; brother Andy Christen. Memorials are suggested in lieu of flowers to the Merna Volunteer Fire Department and Merna Rescue Squad. Funeral services for Mike Christen age 69 of Merna will be held on Wednesday February 17, 2016 at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow with Father Jim Hunt officiating. Burial will be in the St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery at Anselmo, Nebraska. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 16, 8 AM to 4 PM at Govier Bros. Mortuary and 5 PM to 7 PM at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Broken Bow. A rosary service will follow visitation at 7 PM.