Kerry Christensen

Kerry Lee Christensen, age 69 of Clay Center, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024, at his home.

He was born on June 20, 1954, in Clay Center, the son of Robert Leon and Evelyn Ruth (Johnson) Christensen.

On October 8, 1977, he married Alice JoAnn Hannan at the Clay Center United Methodist Church.

Kerry was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He devoted his life to providing for his family and worked tirelessly to ensure his children had a better life with richer opportunities than he did.  His childhood friendships lasted throughout his life and formed an extended family who were constantly helping each other with projects large and small.  He found his true soul mate with his wife Alice, building a warm and happy home together, and they just recently celebrated their 46^th year together this past October.  He was an avid hunter and loved chasing deer, using his unique Tarzan yell to announce to the county when he had “bagged a big one”.

Fishing was a frequent pastime, and he took great pride in teaching his grandchildren where his perfect spots could be found. He was renowned for his hog-roasts, often working to “get a crew together”, hosting large celebrations that were just some of the never-ending social occasions that seemed to follow Kerry wherever he went.  Remembered by all as someone who was quick with a joke and eager to make others laugh, the impression he left will be long felt by those who knew him.  Kerry was a committed and loyal employee who worked over 40 years as a farm service technician at Bud’s Tire Service. He impacted the farming community in Clay County and surrounding areas, known by farmers everywhere for his unrelenting work ethic and never-ending supply of jokes.

He is survived by his wife, Alice Christensen of Clay Center; a daughter, April Mellies and husband Jamey of Clay Center; a son, Kevin Christensen and wife Abby of Chicago, Illinois; a sister, Linda Underwood and husband Lyle of Clay Center, and three grandchildren, Rylee Mellies, Mason Mellies and Brody Mellies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepdad, Daryl Hiebert,  a sister, Colette Welch, and a brother, Kevin Christensen.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church with Rev. Paul Tessaro officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation or the Clay Center Zoo and left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.