Obituary of Delbert Leslie Christensen

Delbert Leslie Christensen, son of Mads and Minnie (Warp) Christensen, passed away Sunday morning, November 10, 2013, in Tucson, AZ. Born on December 18, 1913 at Minden, NE on the Kristensen homestead. Delbert graduated from Rock County HS of Bassett, NE, in 1931 and immediately started teaching in the local rural grade school. He spent two years at Kearney State College before enrolling at University of Nebraska, receiving a bachelors degree in 1939 and Masters degree in Math in 1941. In December of 1941, Delbert accepted an appointment to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and moved to Philadelphia. He spent the WWII years investigating federal crimes and espionage in the Eastern United States. Delbert married Ruth Louise Koch on June 10, 1944. They had four children: Ruth Ingrid, Connie Jo, Mark and David. Following the war Delbert and Ruth moved to Chicago where he joined Flex-O-Glass, INC, an early plastics manufacturer. Innovation and loyalty were cornerstones at Flex-O-Glass, where Del worked for 49 years, serving as president for 15 of those years. In addition, he was a section director of the Society of Plastics Engineers from 1968-1970. Delbert and Ruth raised their family in Elmhurst, Illinois, from 1950 to 1985. They retired to a farm in Green Lake, Wisconsin. Winters were spent in Tucson where they enjoyed Ingrid's growing family and the warm weather. Summer at the farm meant a steady stream of kids, grandkids, and friends, who, after Ruth's death in 2001, provided companionship and physical assistance that allowed Del to live at home until he was 99. Delbert was a thoughtful man of impeccable honor and a quiet energy that earned respect. He and Ruth were a great team that touched and brightened many lives. Survivors include children: Ruth Ingrid Christensen Laurie of Tucson, AZ; Connie Jo Christensen (John) Blumthal of Portland, OR; Mark Alan Christensen of Salt Lake City, UT; and David Lars (Julie) Christensen of Park City, UT; and grandchildren: Yetive Ruth Laurie (Larry Ruhf), Adam Laurie, Zander Laurie, Stephen A. Shepro (Kathleen Hanson), Amy Jo Shepro (Tim) Tanous, John "Chris" Blumthal, Eric Christensen, Laurel Christensen, and Bryan Christensen; great-grandchildren, Gwyneth, Penny, and Ryan. His wife, Ruth; parents; and siblings, Archie, Helen, Bud and Robert, preceded him in death. A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2013, at The Federated Church of Green Lake, 489 Scott St., Green Lake, WI 54941, with Rev. Karen Rodriguez officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Federated Church Memorial Fund in Delbert's name. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.