Ronald "Chrissy" Christensen

Ronald Dean Christensen, son of Chris and Bernadine (Schwieso) Christensen was born January 10, 1938, in Harlan, Iowa. He attended school in Manilla and graduated from Manilla High School in 1957.

Nicknamed "Chrissy,' he was employed at Al Grandgenett's Plumbing and Heating business form 1958 until 1970, and then worked for Mike Kloewer's Plumbing and Heating. Ron started his own electrical, plumbing and heating business in 1979.

Chrissy was married to his first wife Leila in 1962 and three children were born to this marriage. In 1972, Ron was united in marriage with Janice Wilfong. They had one son Ronald who died in infancy. In 1985, he met Henrietta Beckenhauer (Hollander) which began a 34-year relationship and engagement together and helping in raising a step-daughter Tonya.

Besides being "Plumber" to the local townsfolk and farmers, he enjoyed traveling to many destinations like New York City on New Year's Eve to Aztec pyramids in Mexico. Chrissy loved spending time with granddaughters Taylor and Caylin as they grew up.
He enjoyed bowling two nights a week and having a "Miller" with his dear friends at the Kandy Kitchen.

On Sunday, March 26, 2023, Chrissy passed away at Gracewell Eventide Nursing Facility in Denison, Iowa. He was 85 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his loving partner of 34 years Henrietta; infant son Ronald; parents Chris and Bernadine; and stepchildren Gary Lehrkamp and Becky Lehrkamp.

Chrissy is survived by three children: Lisa of Alaska; Brian of New York and Rhonda of Independence, MO; step-daughter Tonya Heiman (Beckenhauer) of Omaha, NE; granddaughters Taylor Heiman (Matt DiBiase) of Omaha, NE, and Caylin Heiman of New Orleans, LA; sister Barbara (Rex Waller) of Lamoni, IA; step-sons Bob (Lydia) Lehrkamp of Des Moines, IA and Lonny (Cindy) Lehrkamp of Carroll, IA; and sister in-law Pam (Gary) Prusa) of Manilla, IA; other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life reception will be held from 5:00 PM to 7PM on Friday, April 7, 2023, at Memorial Hall in Manilla. Chrissy will be interred in Nishnabotna Cemetery near Manilla.