Robert E. Christensen

Robert E. Christensen, 85, of Minden, passed away on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Bryan Health – Kearney Regional Medical Center. A joint celebration of life service with his wife, Audrey, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026 at Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Minden with PMA Julie Schmidt officiating. Private family inurnment will be held prior to services at the Minden Cemetery. Memorials in Robert’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Robert Eugene Christensen was born on October 20, 1940, to Orval and Marie Christensen. He spent his entire life in Kearney County, growing up and building a rich, fulfilling legacy in the community he loved. He graduated from Minden High School in 1958. On November 19, 1961, he married Audrey Johnson of Campbell in the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Minden, Nebraska. In 1962, they settled on the family farm northeast of Minden, where they made their home until 2024. Robert and Audrey raised three children and delighted in attending all their events. Robert farmed alongside his father, brother, and later his son until his retirement in 2005. He also drove semi-trucks for 10 years, an experience he truly enjoyed. He cherished the rhythm of the four seasons, with a special fondness for planting and harvesting. After retiring, he took great pleasure in gardening, assisting Audrey with yard work, and maintaining their beautiful yard. Evenings spent relaxing on the porch were among his favorite moments. He also discovered a passion for baking homemade bread and his famous "monster cookies," which his grandchildren eagerly anticipated. For many years, Robert sold seed corn and grain bins, opportunities that allowed him and Audrey to enjoy memorable company-sponsored trips. He was a lifelong member and deeply involved in the Westminster United Presbyterian Church, serving as a trustee, Sunday school teacher, and choir member. Robert was active in community organizations, including the Jaycees, Minden Chamber of Commerce, and Kearney County Livestock Feeders. He was a dedicated 4-H member and leader in his younger years. An avid card player, Robert especially loved Somerset and belonged to a card club with high school classmates for over 50 years. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture for many years, and he and Audrey operated a booth at Granny's Attic. His unique collections included butter molds and presses, rubber tire ashtrays, and four-ounce oil cans. At age seven, Robert contracted polio and spent four weeks hospitalized in Omaha. He managed well for most of his life, though post-polio syndrome affected him in later years. Robert cherished his family deeply and took immense pride in their accomplishments and extracurricular activities. He is survived by his three children; Kelly Trausch (Gene) of Minden, NE; Kathy Lippert (Tom) of Chardon, Ohio; and Kent Christiansen of Minden, NE; six grandchildren: Molly Trausch of Des Moines, Iowa; Peter Trausch (Missy) of Minden, NE; Dallas Christiansen (Elly) of Syracuse, NE; Dakota Christiansen (Ashley) of Roca, NE; Nick Lippert of Cleveland, OH; and Maddie Lippert of San Diego, CA; four great-grandchildren brought additional joy: Mayley Christensen (daughter of Dallas and Elly); Evan Christensen (son of Dakota and Ashley); and Emma and Charlie Trausch (children of Peter and Missy); brother Vern Christensen (Carol); brothers-in-law Dale Johnson and wife Ardyce, and John Schell; sisters-in-law Sandy Johnson and Lyra Johnson; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Audrey; parents, Orville and Marie Christensen; brothers-in-law Haldine Johnson, Donald Johnson, and Rodney Osler; sisters-in-law, Marjorie Osler and Janice Schell. Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.

Robert E. Christensen

October 20, 1940 - January 30, 2026