William "Bill" R. Christensen

William R. Christensen, age 89, of Appleton, passed away on December 17, 2024, from Lewy Body Dementia. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born in Appleton, WI on November 23, 1935, son of the late Peter and Thoretta (Tschank) Christensen. He was the ninth of ten children. He spent a lot of time in his early years at the family cottage on Long Lake in Waushara County. Bill attended St. Joe’s and Appleton High School, graduating in 1954. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army. He spent 6 months at Fort Leonard Wood MO. He was selected to go to Fort Monmouth N.J Signal Corps. He was highly skilled on the Nike Missile and instructed a course at West Point. After returning from the military, Bill worked for his father’s business before starting his own company, Christensen Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. in 1972. The business is still being run by the family to this day. This is a fact that he was very proud of.

Bill met the love of his life, Patricia Kinnard, at George’s Steakhouse on March 14, 1958 and married her on October 11, 1958. Their marriage was a beautiful love story and a shining example of loving well. Their amazing devotion to one another and their expression of love was a blessing to all around them. 

Bill loved having fun and making others laugh.  Pat jokes that he was her “6th child” because he was in the middle of all the shenanigans with his kids and their friends, never stopping them but instead joining in. A lot of family time was spent at the cottage on Long Lake. Anyone that came by was welcomed and made to feel like family. He shared his love of hunting, water and snow skiing, riding motorcycles and so much more with family but the most important lessons he shared with others is how to love, be a decent human being and to never take your blessings for granted. 

Bill’s warmth, charm, blue eyes and bright smile will be missed dearly by all who knew him. He was a genuine person who had the ability to make everyone feel special. His smile lit up his whole face and warmed the hearts of those receiving it. He loved people and could make friends anywhere he went. Bill’s biggest passion in life however was his family. He loved each one of them immensely.

Bill also lived a life of generosity and gave countless hours volunteering. He was a member of the Appleton Elks Club, the Yacht Club, the Appleton YMCA and the Appleton Rifle and Pistol club. He served on the Board of Heating Examiners and as secretary of the Northside Businessmen Association. Bill also volunteered many hours driving for Making the Ride Happen.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Patricia Christensen; children: Lynn (Don) Roegner, Kim (Bill) Brabender, Michael (Christina) Christensen, Steven Christensen and Lisa (Ryan) Hermus; grandchildren: Beth (Brian) Robinson, Megan and Matthew Brabender, Max and Calvin Christensen, and Ella Hermus; great grandchildren: Claire and Carter Robinson; a sister, Thoretta “Tedi” (Jack) Wilson; brother-in-law, Tom (Becky) Kinnard; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Thoretta Christensen; sisters: Laverne Brooks, Jane Driscoll, Grace Palmbach and Ruthie Fillhouer; brothers: Robert, Earl, Charles and Peter Christensen; mother-in-law, Marcella (Bleier) Kinnard; and brother-in-law, Bud Kinnard.

The funeral liturgy for Bill will be held on Monday, December 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Jude or Alzheimer’s research would be appreciated. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.

In honoring Bill’s wishes, his brain was donated to the University of Maryland School of Medicine Brain and Tissue Bank, to further research and help others.

The family would like to express a special thank you to the staff at Primrose Silver Lace Memory Care and Moments Hospice, for the tender and loving care given to Bill during his stay.

“There are not enough of his kind in this world. A nicer man you will never find.”  

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