Ervy Lee Christenson

Ervy Christenson, age 95, of Highland, Indiana, passed away on Father’s Day, June 16, 2024. Ervy was born on May 6, 1929, in Griffith, Indiana to Warner P. and Frieda M. (Penning) Christenson.

Ervy is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Susan (Strode) Christenson; daughters Lorri (Walace) Bryant, Tammy (Kenny) Smith, Michelle (Nathan) Boughton, Kimberly Lamar; son Lee Christenson; 16 grandchildren: Kevin, Jenna, Adam, Arro, Kohl, Trae, Roseann, Bryan, Tyler, Connor, Christian, Andrew, Alex, Ella, Julian, and Luke; 12 great grandchildren: Quinlan, Levi, Nico, Lenora, Ben, Wade, Jude, Brooklyn, Eli, Ollie, Jolene, and Talia; 2 great-great grandchildren: Luca and Maeve; numerous nieces and nephews.

From an early age, Ervy was a hard worker, working at his father’s various businesses as a teenager. He was a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana. Ervy graduated from Griffith High School in 1947. In 1950 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving as a Radio technician on B-29 bombers while stationed at Walker Air Force Base in New Mexico during the Korean War. This led to a lifelong love of aviation and numerous stories. While in the military, he met Chuck Yager and sat in the plane that broke the sound barrier. Following his military service, Ervy began his career in the discount business, starting with his first Ben Franklin store in Crown Point, Indiana and then moving to what was then East Gary. His final store was in Lake Station and was called The Dime Store and True Value Hardware which closed in 1975. He then went on to work at his family’s car dealership Christenson Chevrolet, where he worked until the age of 92.

Ervy had many interests, but among his favorites were gardening (especially tomatoes) and fishing at the family cottage in Mercer, Wisconsin with his brothers. He was a great fan of old-time radio and working with electronics, starting his own burglar alarm business. He was active in various town activities such as the Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. He was a kind and loving father who would do anything for his children and grandchildren. He was extremely proud of his children, who exemplify the values of loving kindness, hard work, integrity, strength, perseverance and service to others that he demonstrated. He will be deeply missed.

Ervy was preceded in death by his parents; his son Gary (Jodine) Christenson; his daughter Susan (Bryan) West; brothers: Roy (Mary Lorraine) Christenson, Arthur (Mary) Christenson, Dale Christenson, Sr., Billy (Betty) Christenson, Milford (Margaret) Christenson; sister Lela Frances (Bud) Dressel; brothers: Dave, Pete, and Mark Christenson. One brother, Tom Christenson, survives.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM at White Funeral Home, located at 921 W. Glen Park (45th) Ave. Griffith, Indiana 46319. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, June 24, 2024, at White Funeral Home, followed by burial at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Schererville, Indiana.

For additional information, please contact White Funeral Home at (219) 924-4100 or www.whitefuneralhomeofgriffith.com

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