Obituary of Jane Magdeline Christenson

Impassioned peace activist, feminist and staunch Democrat Jane M. Christenson, 96 formerly of Oshkosh and Waupaca, died March 28, 2009 at Windmill Manor, Coralville, Iowa. Born on Easter Sunday, March 23, 1913, in Amherst, WI, the daughter of Al and Lydia Smith. She graduated from Amherst High School and attended Stevens Point Normal College. Jane was married 58 years to John C. Christenson until his death in 1993. She moved to Mankato, MN in 1995 to be near her son, John, and in 2005 moved to Coralville with the family. A booklover, Jane served as chair of the Waupaca Library Board during the period of planning and construction of the new library. She was an active member of the Waupaca United Methodist Church, and avid wildflower enthusiast, and outdoorswoman who enjoyed camping, canoeing and swimming, and mother of three. She is survived by son, John (Ann F.) Christenson of North Liberty, IA; brother, Charles (Jean) Smith of Cape Haze, FL; daughter-in-law, Ann B. Christenson of Flat Rock, NC; son-in-law, David Tenenbaum of Madison, WI; five grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Jane was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, David W. Christenson, daughter, Susan J. Christenson Tenenbaum, and a brother, Kenneth Smith. Memorial services will be held at the Waupaca United Methodist Church on the weekend of Memorial Day, with burial to take place at the Greenwood Cemetery in Amherst. (Time and day will be announced at a later date) Memorials in Jane’s memory may be directed to the Waupaca Public Library or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City, Iowa have been caring for Jane’s family and her arrangements. (319) 338-1132.