William Christensen

William R. Christensen, 93, of Galena, Ohio, passed away January 13, 2022.

He was born on September 30, 1928 in Columbus, the son of the late Frederick and Madge (Riggs) Christensen.

On June 20, 1953 he married the former Helen Thacker, who survives.

He was preceded in death by his siblings and their spouses George (Dorotha) Christensen and Frederick "Chris" Christensen, sister Norma (Richard) Magnuson, infant sister Ella Marie, brother-in-law LeRoy Thacker, sister-in-law M. Ann Thacker, and sister-in-law Betty Van Keuren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Terri (Joe) Cory of Frankfort, Janice (Ralph) DiCarolis of Hilliard, and Valerie Rich (Ben Hollenback) of Gahanna; five grandchildren, Steve and Grant Cory, Brandyn and Adam Wallace, and Jordan Rich; sisters-in-law Martha Thacker and Barbara Remley, both of Johnstown and brother-in-law, Robert Thacker of Westerville; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

Bill fondly remembered growing up on a small farm in what is now Upper Arlington. He graduated from North High School, completing his coursework at night in order to work during the day. While a teenager he was hired by Foster Lane of Lane Aviation to do odd jobs around the airfield. After high school, Bill worked for Havlin Cleaners in Columbus (Linden area) where he met, and later married, Helen, the owner's daughter.

In November 1950 he joined the Army, where he served as a military trainer on Okinawa until October 1952, attaining the rank of Sergeant. He returned to Columbus where he was employed by North American Aviation for two years. Then he and his father-in-law purchased and operated Columbia Cleaners. In July 1963, following the sale of Columbia Cleaners, he returned to North American Aviation (later becoming Rockwell) where he taught classes in management and training, and worked in human resources until his retirement in 1983. During his years with North American / Rockwell, he also taught night classes for Columbus Public Schools. After his first retirement, he joined the Wildlife Legislative Fund of America (now known as The Sportsmen's Alliance Foundation) in Columbus as Director of Development and Office Manager until his second retirement. He enjoyed his grandchildren, interacting with his friends and family, and working outdoors around his house and acreage at Galena.

Friends may call from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m on Friday, January 21, 2022 at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 3047 E. Dublin-Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43231. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2022 at the funeral home. Interment will take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022 at 12:00 noon at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 5600 East Broad St, Columbus, OH 43214.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of the donor's choice.