REED CITY — Hans Nicholas Christensen, 71, of Reed City, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016.
Hans was born on May 7, 1944, in Centerline, and grew up on the family farm in Dafter, graduating from Brimley High School in 1962.
Hans was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and had an adventurous spirit. He wore many hats throughout his life and spent many years in Vermont and Florida before returning to Michigan in 2008 to be closer to his family. Hans was an avid collector of antiques and found great joy in those rare finds. He loved his cats and everyone he met. His gentle soul and kind spirit will be missed by all, as he was constantly willing to help anyone in need.
Hans is survived by his brothers, Donald (Mary) Brown and Ronald (Bernadette) Brown; and his sister, Judith Dyer. He also is survived by his nieces and nephews, Donald (Audrey) Brown Jr., Jeffrey (Cheryl) Brown, Dale (Marcie) Brown, Dr. Ronald (Jennell) Brown Jr., Michael (Kelly) Brown and Kelly (John) Dipucchio; his wonderful cousins, Fay, Jeanette, Jeff and Janell (Joel) Wilson; along with the Fontanas and Tyne Corzier. Hans’ longtime friend, Edward Richard, of White River Junction, Vt., also survives him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lillian (Pesola) Brown; step-mother, Tilley Gysinger, and infant brother, Raymond Jr.
The family will have a birthday celebration of his life beginning at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at the Reed City VFW Post No. 2964 located at 129 E. Osceola Ave. in Reed City. A memorial service will begin at 3 p.m. with Pastor Rudy Hyvarinen of Sault Ste. Marie officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow services at the Reed City VFW Hall.
