John "Big John" M. Christensen

John "Big John" M. Christensen, age 83, passed away on Friday March 24, 2017. John was born in Racine on April 21, 1933, son of the late Edward and Marie (nee: Dastrup) Christensen.

He was a proud graduate of Washington Park High school “Class of 1952”. John proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955. On June 25, 1955 at Grange Avenue Methodist Church, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Beverly Erickson. Always working two jobs, John was employed as a firefighter for the City of Racine for thirty-two years, retiring as Captain in 1989, and with Racine Poster Advertising for thirty years. Following retirement, John immediately started working as caretaker of the Masonic Lodge where he has been employed for the past twenty-five years. A longtime dedicated member of the Masonic Lodge, he started his Masonic journey as a Demolay, and was past Master of the Racine Belle City Lodge 18 and past president of the Racine Shrine Club. In his spare time, John enjoyed bowling, softball and his trips to Branson.

John will be dearly missed by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Beverly; his children, Joy (Scott) McClelland, Jim Christensen; grandchildren, Jeremie Thiel, Melanie (Michael Kirk) McClelland-Olson, Shannon (Justin) McClelland-Hirth; great grandchildren, Cyril, Angel and Mira Thiel, Tyler and Dylan Olson, Charlotte and Johnathan Hirth; brother, Roland “Corky” Christensen; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, John was also preceded in death by his brother, Donald; sisters-in-law, Dolores Christensen and Connie Christensen; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Nina Erickson.

Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday, March 30, 2017, 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Jakes Voker officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. (Masonic service 6:45 p.m.) and on Thursday morning from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Memorials to First United Methodist Church have been suggested.