Kenneth Christopher

Kenneth Orvin Christopher, 92, of Missoula and formerly of Polson, died on Tuesday, April 7, in Missoula. He could walk on his hand, climb a tree and mend a little girl's broken heart. He was a talented self-taught harmonica player. His love for the outdoors included hunting with his brother and nephews, taking his family boating and water skiing. He had a quick smile, great sense of humor and his quiet strength kept his family together. He taught us love, sharing and the importance of family. He was a proud Marine, a hard worker and a true jack-of-all-trades. On September 7, 1916, in Medina, ND, Kenneth Orvin Christopher was the 7th of 11 children born to Carl and Inga Christopher. After graduating from the 8th grade, he worked for area farmers until drifting west to visit brothers in Arlee, where he met his future wife, Ruby Fleming. Kenneth joined the Marines in 1934 and served most of his 4-year tour on the USS Arizona. He then joined the reserves. From California, he wrote and asked for Ruby's hand and they were married in 1940. The Marines called him up in 1941, but because he was married and employed, he was released from active duty in November of 1941. Kenneth and Ruby had a daughter, Gloria, born in Richmond, CA and then moved back to Arlee where they lived when their second daughter, Marjorie, was born. He worked several jobs, including working for Zip Auto, Missoula White Pine, and the Missoula Sugar Beet Factory. Beside ranching Kenneth worked for the Montana Fish Hatchery in Arlee. He and Ruby owned and operated Sunshine Grocery in Missoula and The Fountain in Arlee. He even tried his hand as a landlord when they bought an apartment house in Missoula. Kenneth enjoyed his job as custodian and bus driver for the Arlee School where he worked until retiring in 1979. After retirement, they enjoyed travel and entertaining family and friends in their home on Flathead Lake. Kenneth was caregiver to Ruby, his wife of 41 years, prior to her death in 1982. Then with time on his hands, he decided buying a motorcycle and riding it to North Dakota was a good idea, but soon found short trips more appealing. He spent time with his family and enjoyed getting together with friends at the Polson Senior Citizens Center. In 1987, Kenneth married Mildred Olsen, a long ago friend from his childhood in North Dakota. They shared many memories of family and friends and were happily married for 22 years. This union increased his family by four boys and five sisters-in-law. Ken and Mille lived at his home on Flathead Lake and traveled extensively via RV to all of the lower 48 states and visiting with family and friends. Ken was never just a guest, he was a good helping hand in building projects and gardening. Keeping busy kept him younger than his years. Ken enjoyed their life as 'snow birds', but when their traveling days were done, he was content to stay at home again on the lake playing his harmonica and watching the birds. He always had some 'rock project' to keep him busy, but not out of trouble. In 2008, health issues required him to move to Missoula where they lived at The Village Senior Residence for a time and with his daughter. When Kenneth finished his journey April 7, 2009 he was greeted by those who went before him, his wife Ruby, daughter Gloria, grandson Ken, his parents, eight brothers and two sisters. Also joining in to welcome him home were Millie's son Dale and her sisters, Dagmar and Lillian. Those Ken left behind include his wife, Millie and her sons, Stuart, Charles, and Wade, all of California, and their families and the family of her son Dale: Ken's daughter and son-in-law, Marjorie and Weldon Sparks of Missoula: 3 granddaughters, Kim Blake of Kalispell, Judy Craven of Mesa, AZ, and Heather Smith of Missoula: one grandson, Richard Frey of Altus, OK: 6 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and many more from his extended family who loved and called him great-grandpa. Services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson where a reception will follow. Burial with Military Honors will follow at 1:15 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, Polson. To send messages of condolence to the family, or to view the obituary, please go to www.groganfuneralhome.com.
Read Kenneth Christopher's Obituary and Guestbook.