John E. Christensen

RONAN — John E. Christensen, 88, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 2006, at St. Luke Extended Care Facility.

John was born Nov. 24, 1918, in Camas to Rosa and Carl John Christensen. He married Vivian Benson on Oct. 10, 1943.

John and Vivian purchased 80 acres near Hot Springs where he built a rodeo arena, broke horses and raised buffalo. In 1951 he began working for the U.S. Forest Service at the winter range in Perma. In the early '50s they moved to Nine Mile and he began working as a packer and blacksmith at the Remount Depot. He enjoyed team roping and was a heeler won enough buckles for the whole family.

In the early '60s they bought land on Ranch Lane in Nine Mile where they built their home. After his retirement from the Forest Service he volunteered to accompany the Region I pack string and rode with them in the Tournament of Roses Parade. He also volunteered for the USFS at Big Prairie on the South Fork of the Flathead River.

They moved to Seeley Lake in January 1999 and John's last pack trip to the hills was at age 81 in September 2000. Unfortunately, he suffered a major stroke the following December. He remained at home for three years before he and Vivian moved to the St. Luke facility in 2003.

His family and friends will miss his quick wit and mischievous ways.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Lucille and brothers Vern and Carl.

John is survived by his wife Vivian at St. Luke Extended Care Facility; brother Bill Christensen and wife Margalo of Ronan; sister Nancy Spooner of Post Falls, Idaho; daughter Jan and husband Dave Guelff of Seeley Lake; granddaughter Karen and husband Kalvin Kovatch; two great-great-grandchildren, Klaire and Klayton John Kovatch; numerous nieces and nephews; his hors Big Enough and mules Speedy and Spike.

Cremation has taken place and services will be held today (Thursday, Dec. 21) at 1 p.m. in the Ronan Community Hall.

Shrider-Thompson Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting with arrangements.