Keith Elmore Christensen, (75), formerly Concordia, KS passed away Friday February 17, 2023 at North Central Kansas Medical Center, Concordia, Ks. He was born May 10, 1947 in Concordia, Kansas to Rufus E. and Mildred L. ( Huber) Christensen.
Keith graduated from Concordia High School in 1965 and went on to play soccer for the University of Kansas. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He then went to the Edmonton Eskimos and played in the 1970 and 1971 seasons.
He married Jane M. McConahey on August 3, 1968 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concord, Ks. She predeceased him in death on February 6, 2021.
Keith worked for the family business, Christensen Oil until he sold his share of the business in September 1996. At which point he started a new business Commercial Tire Centers Inc in Salina KS. He retired on March 31, 2021. Since retirement.
He has served as a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia Jaycees, Cloud County Community College Board of Trustees, Dunlop Dealer Counsel, and has been a co-founder and member of the Mid-America Tire Dealers Association since 1991.
Keith enjoyed traveling and hiking in the mountains. As a young man he loved to go skiing with his friends. Keith was a hard worker and could often be found in the shop or at home working on projects. He also enjoyed spending time with his wife and children, and especially enjoyed sporting events and outdoor adventures. He was skilled in carpentry and shared his skills and knowledge with his children. Later in his life, he took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren and even chauffeured the grandchildren to sporting events in multiple states. Keith also enjoyed watching KU basketball or any KU sporting event.
Keith is survived by his seven children and 19 grandchildren: daughter, Erin (Chris) Behrens of Lincoln, Ks and their children, Christopher, Grace, Cody, Tyler and Lily; Son, Travis (Michelle) Christensen of Milton, FL and their children, Krystin, Taylor, Shawn, Elizabeth and Brooke; Son, Kevin Christensen of Salina, KS and children, Alexander and Isabelle; Daughter, Julie Christensen of Salina, KS; Son, John (Kendra) Christensen of Concordia, KS and their children, Tessa, Olivia, Rylan and Nolan; Son, Austin (Kalie) Christensen of Salina, KS and their children, Aurora, Sophie and Kasen & daughter, Katie Christensen of Salina, KS; siblings, Damon (Laura) Christensen, Concordia, KS and Dr. Bruce Champlin of Surprise, AZ, Sister-in-law Mary (Kevin) Foley of Coronado CA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane; his parents Rufus and Mildred Christensen; Robert Champlin, Ronald and Susan Champlin, Loren Christensen, Ivona (Champlin) Kemp.
The Christian Burial Mass will be at 10:00am, Friday, February 24, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia with Fr. David Metz officiating. Burial will follow in the Santa Concordia Cemetery. Viewing is Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas. This will be followed by a visit with the family who receives guests at the hall of the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Help from 18:00 to 20:00. There will be continuous meetings, fraternities and moments of sharing by friends and family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the $333 Community Foundation for Cloud County Scholarship to be awarded with the Keith Christensen Outstanding Senior Lineman Award. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences, visit www.chaputbuoy.com.
To plant memorial trees in memory of Keith E. Christensenclick here to visit our Sympathy Store.
