John E. Christophersen

PORTAGE – John E. Christophersen, Sr., age 82, of Portage, passed away on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at Divine Savior Hospital in Portage. 

John was born on November 29, 1935 in Menominee, Michigan, the son of Axel and Cecilia (Ploederl) Christophersen, the oldest of eight children.  He graduated from Menominee High School in 1953 and Michigan Technological University.  John married M. Patricia Ellingson on December 21, 1959 in Dubuque, Iowa.  John worked in banking most of his life and also had a career in insurance. John was an avid basketball fan, playing basketball through youth leagues, high school and college. John spent many hours in a gym enjoying time watching his grandchildren playing the sport he loved. He was always ready to discuss basketball with anyone who would lend an ear! John enjoyed umpiring softball leagues, bowled for years, and was often found watching his grandchildren participate in their many activities. He was a member of the Hancock Lions Club, the DAR Boys and Girls Club of Menominee/Marinette Michigan, and Kappa Delta Psi at Michigan Tech. He was also a member of the Elks Club and Rotary Club.

John is survived by his children, John (Diane) Christophersen, Jr., of Eau Claire, Linda (Dave) Daane, of Janesville, Kristin (Nathan) Considine, of Portage, and Julie Broda, of Dallas, TX; his grandchildren, Michael (Sarah) Christophersen; Jill, Ryan, Kevin and Mark Daane; Hannah (Micah) MacAskill, Adam, Heidi and Eli Considine; and his great-granddaughter Charlotte Christophersen. He is also survived by brothers Jim (Agnes) and Peter Christophersen, and sisters Joan (Don) Meier, F. Judith (Jim) Baiel, Ann Christophersen; sisters-in-law, Pauline Christophersen and Ruth Anne Christophersen, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Fred and David Christophersen, former wife M. Patricia Christophersen, and his niece Jennifer Baiel. 

Funeral services will be held at the Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home on July 3 from 11 to 12:30, with a service from 12:30 to 1:00. Burial will be held in Riverside Cemetery in Menominee, Michigan on July 5 at 11 a.m.with Fr. Mark McQuesten presiding.

Memorials can be made to the DAR Boys and Girls Club of Menominee, Marinette, P O Box 211, Menominee, MI 49858.

Thank you to doctors and staff at Divine Savior Health Care, UW-Health Clinic in Portage, and Hamilton Park Place.