Richard Rudolph Christen

Richard Rudolph Christen, 93, of Steinauer, Nebraska passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023 at Colonial Acres in Humboldt, Nebraska with his family by his side.  He was born on December 2, 1929 to Rudolph and Irene Marie (Branek) Christen, Jr., on the family farm, rural Steinauer, Nebraska.  Richard lived his early life on the family farm.  He graduated from Country School District 27.  He worked many  years at a packing plant in Omaha and was engaged in farming at home in the Elk Creek and Steinauer areas.

He joined the Army in 1948 and was stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas and then Ft. Benning, Georgia.  Richard was released after one year in 1949, but recalled to active duty in September of 1950, after a refresher course at Ft. Lewis, Tacoma , Washington for 2 weeks.  He was then air lifted to Japan where he joined the 3rd division, being deployed to Korea.  Richard was assigned to Heavy Mortar Company 7th infantry Regiment and after serving 10 months combat time, was discharged September, 1951.  He worked on the family farm and a time with the Soil Conservation Service in Pawnee County.

In 1968 Richard married Sharon Niederle from Millard. To this union two children where born, daughter Kay and son Rodney.  Richard served on the FSA committee and St. Anthony's advisory board.  He enjoyed the farm life, dancing, card parties, trips to Texas, and family activities, such as 4-H and ballgames watching his grandchildren.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Irene Christen, brother Frank Christen, sister Joan Packett, brothers-in-law, Ken Dostal, James Packett and Dean Schneider, sister-in-law, Shari Christen and niece, Lori Schneider Erdman.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Sharon, daughter Kay, son Rodney and wife Amy, three grandchildren, Dana, Leah and Evan, sister, Leona Dostal, brother Gerald Christen, sisters-in-law, Virginia Christen and Nina Schneider and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Service 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 5, 2023 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska with Father Michael Christensen officiating. Rosary will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday.  Visitation on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Interment at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska with full military honors provided by the Nebraska Army National Guard Honor Guard and Brown-Hays Legion Post #289.  Memorials to family's choice. Condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com. Services are entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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