Jean Leona Christensen

Jean Leona (Gourd) Christensen, age 93, passed away surrounded by family on June 14th 2026 at Bethel Home in Oshkosh, WI. She was born on August 5th, 1932 in Dearborn Michigan to the late Joseph Charles James and Margaret Ione (Arndt) Gourd.

She had the privilege to live her whole childhood and early adult life in the same home on Gregory Street, one of the Henry Ford historic homes. In High School she was a drum majorette and could twirl and throw a baton into her 80's. She graduated from Wayne State University in 1955 with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing and was a Registered Nurse. She practiced in Public Health Nursing and Psychiatric Nursing. She married the love of her life, Richard Christensen, on July 31st, 1954 after meeting him at a DeMolay dance. They were married for 67 years.

Jean was a skilled seamstress and quilter. She later became active in dog training and competed in obedience work, scent work, tracking, Field Trials and finished several dogs in their AKC Hunt tests. She also won several confirmation show titles. Jean played competitive Volleyball and was an active runner. She participated in aerobics into her late 80's at the Oshkosh Senior Center.

Jean is survived by her three children; son, Jon (Cindy) Christensen; daughters Susan Roush and Carol (Randy) Christensen; grandchildren: Thoren McDole, Katie McDole, Cheyanne Tedder, Kyle Sprouse, Nicholas Sprouse, Lisa Frisch, Stacy Gutsmiedl; and great grand children Caylin, Devin, Richard, Brantley, Skylar, Josie, Jacob, Camden, Olivia, and Corbin. She is also survived by her younger sister Margaret (Gourd) Malone and preceded in death by her husband, Richard Christensen, and older sister Mary Ione (Gourd) Mettler.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you for the care and compassion that was given to Jean by the staff at Elijah's Place, Bethel Home, Moment's Hospice and Susie Stein who faithfully visited Jean every week during her time at Elijah's Place.

A Celebration of Life is to be held on September 5th, 2026 in Eagle Harbor, Michigan in the Pine Grove Cemetery.