At 3:40pm on Monday Dec 31st, 2018 Carolyn “Sue” Christensen went to celebrate with her Heavenly Father. While she was sad to leave her loving husband and family behind- she just couldn’t wait to ring in the new year with Jesus. In Heaven, she will be catching up with old friends and making new ones- just like she did here on Earth.
Sue was born May 11th 1940 in Champaign to Paul and Geraldine (Jackson) Reis. She changed the life of Ernest “Chris” Christensen at a USO dance in Rantoul when he met her and their inspiring romance began. Sue and Chris married on April 23rd 1960 at Holy Cross Catholic Church Champaign, built a beautiful life and family and shared it with anyone who was without. Sue opened her home and her heart to hundreds of children during her 28 years of home daycare. She volunteered for the American Cancer Society as a driver, was the Home Community Education Secretary, she was active at her church as a charter member of St. Matthews and a founder of the welcoming committee.
She’ll be dancing with Jesus until she is joined by those that survive her: her loving husband Chris; their 4 children Denise (Joe) Howell of Champaign, Phillip (Kathy) Christensen of Liberty MO, Mark (Melissa) Christensen of Champaign, and Matthew (Lara) Christensen of Rantoul; 13 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren plus one on the way in April; and her siblings Marilyn (Ron) Phelps, Bill (Carol) Reis, Roger (Liz) Reis, Judy (Mark) Smith, and Rick Reis.
There will be a visitation on January 8 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Lincolnshire Drive, Champaign. The Funeral Mass will be at 12:00 pm. Burial will be private. Owens Funeral home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.
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