Ernest Maynard Christensen's Obituary
Ernest M. Christensen
Funeral Services for Ernest Christensen will be 2:00 PM, Monday, December 28th at the Columbia County Shrine Club, St. Helens, Oregon. Ernest passed away on the 21st from complications of Alzheimer and Parkinson's disease. he was 83. Visitation is Sunday 1-5 PM at Columbia Funeral Home. Vault interment at the Pioneer Masonic Cemetery, St. Helens, OR
Ernest was born April 24, 1926 in Grass Valley, OR to Arne Sr. & Alma Hall Christensen. He was the oldest of 3 children. Raised in Medford and graduated in 1944 from Crater High School. He married Gladys Nordstrom in Reno September 12, 1948. They were married for 61 years.
He joined the US Marine Corps April 20, 1944 during WWII and received the Purple Heart when he was wounded in action May 21, 1945 in Okinawa as part of a machine gun crew. After the service he attended OSU and later attended OTI where he received a degree in Dry Cleaning. He purchased a dry cleaning plant in Brookings, OR from Morris and Velma Corderman and managed it until wash and wear clothing became popular. He sold the business and then bought shares in Brookings Plywood, later purchasing shares in Multnomah Plywood after moving to St. Helens. He held the shares until they closed and then he retired.
Ernest was a 53 year Member of the Freemasons, Initiated December 28, 1956 at Sidney Croft Lodge #206 in Brookings, OR, and the St. Helens Masonic Lodge #32. Ernest was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star; member of the Curry Chapter #135 in Brookings and the Mizpah Chapter #30 in St. Helens. He was an active York Rite Mason and Shrine Mason, holding memberships in Columbia Chapter #53 RAM, Columbia Council #19, CM Washington. Ernest was also active with the JC's and the Elks as well, and a member of the St. Helens Sr. Center, and of the 1st Lutheran Church.
He is survived by; wife Gladys, Children Susan Phelps of St. Helens, Dale Christensen of White City, OR., grandfather of 4 and great grandfather of 6. Brother Arne Jr. of Newport, OR and Sister Barbara Miller of Medford, OR.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances to: Odyssey Hospice, 8625 SW Cascade Ave, and # 500, Beaverton, OR 97008
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