Frank Leon Christen was born to Rudolph Jr. and Irene (Branek) Christen on December 15, 1931 on the family farm southwest of Elk Creek, Nebraska. He attended country school through the eighth grade and then went to work on the farm helping his parents.

Frank served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1954. He worked for the Campbell Soup Company in Tecumseh after his military discharge.

He was united in marriage to Virginia Henderson on October 1, 1966 at St. Phillip Neri Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska.  To this union three children were born, Theresa, Janet and Jerome.

Frank and Virginia made their home south of Tecumseh where they farmed and raised their family.  He was a lifetime member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Steinauer and a 52-year member of the Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek. His family and faith were Frank’s strength and in later years, even though Frank was home bound, he loved having his children and grandchildren come and visit with him about their lives and accomplishments. He was passionate about the farm and in his later years Frank enjoyed a joy ride around the section.  Frank enjoyed watching his cows, especially the babies during calving season, and was very proud of both his military service and his children and grandchildren.

He passed away Friday, May 4, 2018 at Bryan East in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 86 years.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Virginia of Tecumseh, daughters, Theresa Brown and husband Dan of Elmwood and Janet Tomky and husband Ken of Lamar and son Jerome Christen and wife Melinda of Filley, eight grandchildren, Alyssa, Cody, Haleigh and husband Chad, Hannah, Holden, Hayden, Evan and Aidan, one great-granddaughter, Chloe, sister, Leona Dostal of Gretna and brothers, Gerald Christen of Lincoln and Richard Christen and wife Sharon of Steinauer, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and brothers and sisters-in-law. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Hope Ann Christen and sister, Joan Packett.

Mass of Christian Burial Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska with Father Michael Christensen officiating.  

Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska, Monday, May 7, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Steinauer, Nebraska. 

Interment will be in the St. Anthony's Catholic Cemetery, Steinauer, Nebraska with full military honors by the Tracy-Bates American Legion Post #370 of Elk Creek. 

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.