Kurt L. Christensen
April 15, 1950 - October 22, 2013
Obituary
VERONA - Kurt Lewis Christensen, age 63, of Verona, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. He was born on April 15, 1950, along with twin sister, Kay Lynn, in Springfield, Ohio, to parents, Harold Lewis and Doris (Lively) Christensen. He married on March 3, 1973, to Susan Kathleen Ripley. Kurt attended Main West High School in Des Plaines, Ill., followed by University of Wyoming and graduated from University of Iowa with a BBA degree in 1972. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start a candle making business before starting his own safety distribution company, American Health & Safety in 1980. He built this company from the ground up and ran it successfully for 25 years. Most recently he built a massage tool company, Bongers, which continues to be operated by his son, Kevin. As an 18 year old he began his life-long study of martial arts, becoming a 6th degree black belt Renshi and Kaicho in Shorin-Ryu Ken Sei Ren Mei traditional karate. He started the UW Karate Sports Club in 1973 and the youth karate program at the West YMCA in 1974. Both these programs continue today under the direction of black belts he has trained. He was instrumental in building the United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance which stands on an international platform. He served as a true friend and advisor of all the senior yudansha of the URKA. Over the last 40 years he has influenced and trained multitudes of students. He enjoyed instilling in others the ambition to achieve positive goals. Despite a severe car accident in 2004 which rendered him a C6-7 quadriplegic, his perseverance and positive mindset continually inspired others. Kurt appreciated learning from many cultures their paths to spiritual enlightenment. He sought an understanding of the continuum of life and our connection with a Universal Power. The joy of his life was his wife Susan, and his sons, Erik and Kevin. He is survived by his wife Susan; son, Kevin; sisters, Carol Brezinski Hall and Kay Sumerwell; nephew and niece, Brian and Carrie Brezinski; and mother-in-law, Tillie Ripley. Kurt was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Erik. Memorials may be sent to Rock Creek Disabled Outdoors sunsetpinesresortrcdo@gmail.com or scholarship for UW students working in adaptive fitness program supportuw.org/giveto/KurtChristensen. A celebration of Kurt's life will be held at THE LODGE, 1391 Fritz Rd, Verona, with a traditional New Orleans style funeral provided by The Extra Crispy Brass Band at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Attendees may bring a dish to share. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
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Memories
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Connie Evenson
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When we were kids we all went to Grandma's farm in SD for the summer. There were 6 of us girls and we just played and had fun. Then there was Kurt..out numbered. They drafted his cousin Doug in to protect this big city Chicago kid. All they accomplished was getting in our way. Uncle Frank offered them 25 cents for each gopher tail they could get. We didn't see them again that summer.....I hear they made a lot of money. Of all the childhoods I have heard about none can compare to summers we spent with our cousins in SD. I love you Kurt. Connie
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John Carl
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On behalf of the Maine West Class of 1968, I want to express our condolences to the Christensen family. Sue we are all thinking of you and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Interestingly, at our 45th Reunion, which was just held this past weekend, Kurt's name came up several times by Classmates. Then we got the news of his passing. We are sorry for your loss. Hang tough! John Carl and the '68 Warrior Nation
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mary feldt
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Sue, my prayers are with you. You and Kurt have been so kind to me and been so generous with your time. We were blessed to have Kurt, his briliance and caring with us, although too short a time.
Mary Feldt
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Mark Laufenberg
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Susan, thinking of you in your time of sorrow. It is truly a loss for all of us. He was a very good man and a great friend.
Take care,
Mark Laufenberg
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Irene Przybylski
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Oh Kurt, you are indeed a special person in my life. I will never forget when my mother was really ill and you told me to be okay with letting her go and to tell her that. I did so and she left us after, into internal peace with no more suffering. I will always love you for being so honest with me and for many many more reasons. Susan, you, Kevin and the rest of Kurt's family are in my thoughts and prayers (as they always have been). Take care.
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Bonnie Christense Fischer
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I will always remember, and cherish, my childhood memories in South Dakota. Glad we got to see you and Susan at the Christensen reunion, even though it was very short. Glad your suffering is over. Until we meet again dear cousin, God Bless YOU!