Carl Robert "Bob" Christensen

Carl Robert "Bob" Christensen was born in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma on October 10, 1925 to parents Carl Henry Christensen and Glenola J. Waggoner Christensen. He passed away December 27, 2023, in Wichita, Kansas. Bob graduated from Byron High School and began farming near Byron, Oklahoma. Soon thereafter, he married Leola V. Davis. Three children were born to this union. After the sudden death of Leola in 1951, Bob moved his family to live with his parents in Syracuse, Kansas. There, he assisted his father with the management and operation of Jackson Grain Company and also farmed ground near Granada, Colorado. In 1952, Bob and his father purchased a grain elevator in Pierceville, Kansas. At that time, Bob moved his family to Garden City, Kansas and began a 40 year career owning and operating Christensen Grain, Inc. In addition to serving their farming community patrons in the grain business, Bob and his father also returned to their farming roots by purchasing and managing farm ground in Gray County, Kansas. After moving to Garden City, Bob met and married Margaret Jon "Margo" Shoaf. Bob and Margo developed church, community and social connections in their new home town. In addition to full time work and family activities, Bob developed a love for the game of golf. He also became a lifelong fan of K-State football. Their marriage continued until Margo's death in 1972. In 1973, Bob met and married Ruby Marie Stude. Making their home in Garden City, they embraced their blended families and their growing family roles as loving grandparents and great-grandparents. They enjoyed their many friendship connections and church involvement. Memorable travel adventures to Europe, Australia and Alaska highlighted their early married life. In 1993, Bob retired and sold Christensen Grain. In 2000, he and Ruby moved to Wichita, Kansas in order to be closer to grandchildren. Bob and Ruby lived in Wichita until their deaths. Bob will be remembered as a devoted family man, a humble gentleman and a supportive friend. He touched many lives throughout his lifetime. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Leola; second wife, Margo; and third wife, Ruby; sister, Bonnie Holderby of Boulder, Colorado; grandson, Nicolas Schimmel; and great granddaughter, Hope Christensen. Survivors include his sons, Jerry R. Christensen (Sharon) of Garden City, Carl D. "Dave" Christensen (Carol) of Edmond, Oklahoma; daughters, Leola V. "Ginger" Sible, Thornton, Colorado and Elaine Schimmel (Steve), Wichita, Kansas. Bob is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to the Community Congregational Church, 710 N. 3rd St., Garden City, Kansas 67846. Memorial Service will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.