|
1926 - 2009
Julia Elsie Josephine (Michalek) Christensen, a courageous polio survivor, passed away quietly on March 28, 2009 at Spectrum Health United Long Term Care. She was born in Valley View, Ohio on October 2, 1926 to Joseph and Josephine Michalek. She was a proud graduate of Belding High School Class of 1945 where she participated in band, plays and attended Girls State. She was married to Robert H. Christensen on November 29, 1947. In 1952, while awaiting the arrival of her forth son, Julia contracted polio. After two years of hospitalization at Mary Free Bed in Grand Rapids and rehabilitation a Warm Springs Georgia, she returned to her family, giving birth to five more children. Her positive attitude toward life was enjoyed and admired by family and friends, earning her the title Miss Sunbeam.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Michael Michalek and son Michael Christensen. She is survived by her children Kevin Christensen of Fenwick; Melissa Christensen of California; Marianne (Craig) Hunsinger of Grand Rapids; Timothy Christensen of Sheridan; Christopher Christensen of Marshall; and Robert (Barb) Christensen, Maureen (Dean) Dodd and John Christensen of Greenville and her 14 grandchildren, Emma and Julia Seiber; Wyatt, Ethan and Matthew Morrow; Tyson, Trenton and Tricia Christensen; Julia ; Paul and Christian (Laura) Dodd. Dr. Robert (Stephanie), Dr. James (Elizabeth) and Kathryn Christensen. She recently had become a great grandmother with the birth of Sean David Christensen and Realina Elaine Christensen.
She is also survived by her brothers and sisters George (Ruth) Michalek, Richard (Helen) Michalek, Raymond (Helen) Michalek, Joseph (Vickie) Michalek, Elizabeth (William) Updike, Josephine (Gordon, deceased) Pollock and Sandy (Michael, deceased) Michalek and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be at Hurst Funeral Home on Friday, April 3, from 6 to 8 PM, with a memorial service following at 8 PM. Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at Greenville Country Club on Saturday April 4 from 1 to 4 PM. Those who wish to make contributions in Julias memory may consider Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute of Rehabilitation, with envelopes available at the funeral home, or the charity of their choice.
|
|
There are currently 10 condolences.
Mary Walker McCaffery
Thursday April 2, 2009 at
9:04 PM
|
Marianne, I never met your mom, but I know from knowing you that she must have been a person of deep character, intelligence, and humor. Wishing you and your family a healing love and peace.
|
|
Mary Leppink Warner
Wednesday April 1, 2009 at
10:36 AM
|
Dear Christensen Family,
Your Mother was a classmate of my parents (Gordon & Wanda Leppink) in the BHS class of '45. I had the priviledge of meeting her at several of their reunions. My Mother was especially fond and impressed with her courageousness and bright outlook on life. Please accept my most sincere thoughts and prayers of condolence on your Moms passing.
Mary Leppink Warner, Belding
|
|
Wendy Thornton
Tuesday March 31, 2009 at
11:16 AM
|
Maureen,
I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Take care of yourself.
Wendy
|
|
Sue Leyder
Tuesday March 31, 2009 at
8:00 AM
|
Maureen,
I will keep you and your family in prayer during this difficult time. Loss of parents is a difficult time to grieve. May God bless you abundantly.
Sue Leyder
|
|
Nancy Dodd
Monday March 30, 2009 at
7:02 PM
|
Dear Maureen,
I do remember meeting your sweet mother, years ago...sending my deepest condolences on her passing. Wish I could be there to help out in your time of need. Please take care and know that my thoughts are with you.
In deepest sympathy,
Nancy
|
|
Kathy Merritt
Sunday March 29, 2009 at
9:41 PM
|
Aunt Elsie was the bestest, sweetest, most rockin aunt ever. Her smile and joy for life touched everyone she knew. She will be missed greatly and always remembered. God Bless the family. Love Kathy, Dave and Jeremy
|
|
Connie Turnbull
Sunday March 29, 2009 at
8:35 PM
|
I learned so much from Julia over the last 42 years. She has always been the most positive person and a "true" ray of sunshine. I am proud to say she touched my life for the better and I will miss her greatly.
|
|
Ted Budner
Sunday March 29, 2009 at
6:28 PM
|
I would like to extend my condolences to the family I never met your mom but I have heard so many wonderfull stories about her from Melissa.Your mother and your family are in my thoughts and prayers....God bless...Ted
|
|
Coey Kulas
Sunday March 29, 2009 at
10:08 AM
|
Aunt Elsie was the coolest elder person I knew. I don't think I ever saw here without a smile on her face. Years ago, when Pat, Phill, and Christian played in the band The Fred Thompson Trio, I was amazed when I would see Aunt Elsie wheel up in her FTT t-shirt. That really made our day! She will be missed by many, but never forgotten.
|
|
Bill Southworth
Sunday March 29, 2009 at
1:58 AM
|
I've known Melissa for many years, and Melissa has frequently commented about the love & respect she has for her Mom. I've had the pleasure of speaking to Julia on the phone, and she was really enjoyable, youthful, and "hip". Julia made Melissa into a fine woman. Thank you !
|
|
|