Elaine Mary Furstenau Christensen

Elaine Mary Furstenau Christensen passed away December 17, at the age of 102.

Elaine was born July 31, 1922, to Ray and Esther Furstenau on their farm near Scribner, Nebraska. She was the second of five children.

Proud of her farm girl upbringing, Elaine learned the value of hard work at an early age. She often recalled that each of the five children had a cow to milk and chores to do before school every day. During her early life, Elaine experienced the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, and rationing during World War II. These experiences left a lasting impression on her throughout her life. Elaine and Bernice each had three dresses growing up, one for Sunday and alternating two dresses for school.

She along with her sister, Bernice, fondly remembers the family’s Saturday night treat. Their father, Ray, purchased one quart of ice cream or one candy bar at the local country store and Esther would divide the delicious treat equally five ways, one for each child. Then the children would argue who received the largest or smallest portion. Church on Sunday was followed by farm fresh fried chicken, garden vegetables, and homemade apple pie or angel food cake.

Elaine graduated from Scribner High School in 1939. She worked at the Webster store as a clerk. She worked in Fremont for several years and then moved to Omaha during World War II to work in an ammunitions factory. She was a true to life “Rosie the Riveter.” All three brothers – Dean, Kenneth, and Len served in the Military. The Furstenau family had a deep love of country throughout their lives.

Elaine met Robert Edwin Christensen while living in Omaha. They loved to polka dance.  They married in June 1954 and moved to Glendale, California. Bob and Elaine had many great adventures exploring California. They enjoyed the Lawrence Welk show every Saturday night and attended the live show as a part of the dancing audience. Their daughter, Karla was born in November 1955. 

Elaine and Bob were faithful members of First Lutheran Church of Burbank for many years. Together they helped build a close knit church community.

Elaine worked in the aeronautics industry as a clerical support staff member and retired in 1988.

Elaine and Bob moved to Sandy, Utah in 1990 to be close to Karla and her family. Bob passed away May 30, 1992.

Active members of Grace Lutheran Church, they enjoyed the friendship and associations of their church community. She joined Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, in Riverton after selling her home and moving closer to Riverton, Utah. 

Elaine was a world traveler, experiencing many different sights and cultures. She often observed that throughout her travels when she saw the American flag, she commented it was the most beautiful flag in the world.

In her later years, Elaine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, Jeremy, Emily and Eric. Also being with her great grandsons, Jerett, Gavin, Max, and Graham. Family gatherings and special performances brought her joy.

Her final years were spent living independently, near Karla and Craig in Riverton.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Hlumela from Visiting Angels, Elaine’s longtime care giver.

Our deepest appreciation to the Rocky Mountain hospice team for their kindness and compassion during Elaine’s final days. To be surrounded by “angels among us” was a blessing beyond words.

She is proceeded in death by husband Robert Edwin Christensen, parents Ray and Esther Furstenau, brothers Dean and Kenneth Furstenau, and grandsons Jeremy and Eric Martin.

Elaine is survived by daughter Karla [Craig] Martin, granddaughter Emily [Andy] Macdonald, grand daughter-in-law Jenny Martin. Great grandsons Jerett, Gavin, Max and Graham, sister Bernice Lewis and brother Len [Tracy] Furstenau.

Funeral Services will be Friday, December 27, 2024 at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 13249 South Redwood Road, Riverton, Utah at 10:00 a.m. with a viewing prior to services from 9:00 to 9:45 am. Interment will follow services at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 South), Sandy. The recording of the service can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above.