Carl J. "Chris" Christensen Jr., 81, of Sterling, died Sept. 29, 2010, in Sterling. Memorial services with military honors will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, at First Baptist Church, with the Rev. John Roberts officiating. Services will conclude at the church.

Mr. Christensen was born March 7, 1929, in Crook to Carl J. Christensen Sr. and Della H. (Frese) Christensen.

He served seven years in the Army Air Corp and the Air Force, three years in Japan after World War II. He returned to Sterling after his discharge and became a construction and residential painter. Many years after he retired, many former customers called for his painting services.
On Aug. 20, 1950, he married Rose Marie Pettit.

Mr. Christensen was a member of First Baptist Church.

In his younger years, he was an avid golfer who always finished near the top of many local golf tournaments. He enjoyed growing tomatoes, watching the Broncos and CU Buffs play football. His favorite thing was spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie Christensen of Sterling; son, Mike Christensen and wife Selena of Boulder; daughter, Sheila Ridnour and husband Tim of Briggsdale; sister, Goldia Knowles and husband Bud of Sterling; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren; and many who loved him.
Mr. Christensen was preceded in death by his sisters, Edna Thompson and Dorothy Loos; brother, Robert Christensen; and daughter, Cindy Christensen.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church.

Chaney-Reager Funeral Home in Sterling handled the arrangements.