Erik Christensen
December 18, 1985 - May 01, 2007
Obituary
Christensen, Erik L. VERONA - Erik Lewis Christensen, age 21 of Verona, passed away on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at UW Hospital. He was born at Meriter Hospital on Dec. 18, 1985, to Susan (Ripley) Christensen and Kurt Christensen. Erik has lived with his parents; and his beloved brother, Kevin. He is survived by his maternal grandmother, Tillie Ripley of Madison Meriter Heights. Erik had two cousins, Carrie and Brian Brezinski, children of his aunt Carol Hall of Joliet, Ill. He will also be greatly missed by his aunt and uncle, Kay and Bob Sumerwell; and the love of his life, Lisa Vang. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Harold L. and Doris Christensen; and his maternal grandfather, G. Birch Ripley. Erik graduated from Verona Area High School in 2004, where he enjoyed acting in school plays and wrestling. Erik attended UW-Whitewater but returned home after his father broke his neck in a car accident. Erik was a Black Belt in Shorin-Ryu Karate and enjoyed teaching youth karate at the YMCA and Allied Drive. He also enjoyed fishing, fireworks, skiing, snowboarding, music, dancing and traveling. Erik also enjoyed ceramics, Feng Shui and learning about other mysteries of life. In addition to many family vacations, he also traveled to Europe with People to People Youth Ambassadors. Outgoing and sociable, Erik would reach out to make friends with people of all walks of life and of many different abilities. Erik was planning on returning to college in the fall. Erik was a beautiful human being who truly loved people and life. His curiosity and thirst for knowledge was unquenchable. He was loving, generous, kind, comedic, but could also be mischievous at times. Erik had a quirky sense of humor which could always make people laugh. Visitation will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2007, at the MONONA TERRACE, COMMUNITY TERRACE ROOM, 1 John Nolen Dr, Madison followed by a memorial service at the Terrace Community Room at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Erik Christensen Memorial Scholarship Fund at Park Bank, 104 S. Main St., Verona.
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Memories
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Katherine Huber
Other •
The one thing that I will remember most about Erik is his smile! He was always looking out for everyone and making them laugh. My Thoughts and prayers are with your family and just know that Erik may not be with us but he will live on in our hearts.
God Bless,
Katherine Huber
DW
Doug Winder
Other •
Eric and I shared some traits - acting, outgoing, sense of humor. I wish I could have known him better, but we lived so far apart. I will not forget him.
Doug Winder
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Molly Hageman
Other •
I am truly sorry I found out about this. And many years too late. I was in theatre with Erik, we first met in middleschool. He was definatly a fun guy to hang with. He could always make everybody laugh. I have pictures from middle school. I just read about his father's passing. Sending prayers to the family. Please contact me of you would like copies of young Erik. Hugs! -Molly Hageman
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Eduardo C
Other •
I was a karate student at the YMCA, along with my 2 younger brothers. I was like 13-15, I'm 38 now.
One time, Sensei Kurt hosted a type of karate camp at his house, it was a 1-2 night camp.
I remember at night, Erik asked me if I wanted to hang out, take a ride on the Gator buggy/car, and we hung out, rode around, and talked for a good while. I may not have known him personally very well, or been a close friend, but I always remembered that, that night he made me feel like a good friend.