Capt. Earl J. "Chris" Christensen (U.S. Army Retired); Earl John "Chris" Christensen, age 76, of Greenville, Michigan and Ellenton, Florida, passed away Friday, June 5, 2009 at Ellenton Hospice House of Tidewell Hospice & Pallative Care.

Born on Dec. 16, 1932, in Winona, Minnesota, Chris attended Officers Candidates School in Oklahoma before being commissioned a 1st lieutenant and being stationed in Korea. A veteran of the Korean War, he later attained the rank of captain while serving in the reserves.

In 1958, he graduated from Purdue University, majoring in electrical engineering, and then began a long career in the computer engineering and management field, working for several large technology companies.

He founded the original educational data processing department, as well as teaching many computer courses, at Montcalm Community College in Sidney, Michigan, as well as working as a computer consultant to various local companies in Greenville, Michigan.

In recent years, he served as president of the Terra Siesta Mobile Home Community association in Ellenton.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Marybeth “Missy” Christensen; his children, David John & Dana Christensen of Colorado, James Allen Christensen and Justine Busse of Washington, Judy & Jerry Hunter of Virginia, Dan & Shannon Christensen of California; his step-children, Lori & Sam Gillette of Nunica, Todd & Lori Maguire of Plainwell, and Aaron Maguire of Sidney; seventeen grandchildren; and a brother, Darryl & Larry Christensen of Arizona.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial services are being planned for later this summer in Michigan and in the fall in Florida.

Interment will be in South Sidney Cemetery, Sidney, Michigan. Instead of flowers, Chris would have appreciated memorial contributions to either Tidewell Hospice & Palliative Care or to your favorite charity. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Chris’ online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.christiansen-fh.com. The Christiansen Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Greenville, Michigan, is serving the family with local arrangements entrusted to Veterans Funeral Care of Clearwater, Florida.