He was baptized on March 23, 1914, and was confirmed at the age of 14 as a member of Our Saviors Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 2008 he became a member of Epiphany Lutheran Church.
During his youth, Christ experienced all of the adventures associated with growing up in the country. He spoke of riding into town in a buggy pulled by Bunny, the family’s horse. During his early years, Christ was educated at the Rapids School.
After losing his father to an accident at the young age of 10, Christ left school and began working on various farms to help support his mother and siblings. It was during this time that he was taken in by his Godparents, the Nyholm family of Mt. Pleasant, with whom he maintained a special relationship the remainder of his life.
Christ married the love of his life, Florence E. Maier, in the St. Patrick’s Church parsonage on May 22, 1937. During their 69 years together the couple were blessed with five children.
Christ worked at many jobs over the years, from driving a coal truck to constructing buildings. His primary employer was the J.I. Case Co., for whom he served as a Millwright for over 35 years, retiring in 1976.
Travel and camping were prominent amongst Christ’s hobbies, which he participated in as a member of the Rolling 8 Balls. He was a longtime member of the Belle City Seniors, where he enjoyed playing cards, especially Sheepshead. He was also member of the J.I. Case 20-year Club, faithfully attending their annual dinners.
Christ was an award-winning gardener, in particular when it came to growing Mums. He was an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, and enjoyed bowling in the senior league at Paradise North, hunting, fishing and playing checkers.
Above all else, Christ was the revered patriarch of his family, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.
In addition to many family and friends, Chris was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Florence, with whom he is once again reunited.
Survivors include his son, Lawrence (Helen) Johnson of West Plains, MO; four daughters, Shirley (Elmer) Ricchio of Racine, Joanne (Stephen) Greger of CA, Christine (Rollie) Hamilton of AR, Judith (Steven) Jones of Racine; eleven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and special friends.
Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-7 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 9:30-10 a.m. Services, with Pastor Michael Zarling officiating, will take place at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 2921 Olive St., at 10 a.m. Friday. Burial in the Calvary Cemetery Crypts will take place following services.
MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888
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