Frederick Charles Christensen

Frederick Charles Christensen was unexpectedly taken from this world on February 1, 2018, after a hard-fought battle with a brief, debilitating illness. A lifelong Waukesha resident, Fred was born on March 1, 1956 to Frederick H. Christensen and Myrtle Christensen (nee Sanders) who preceded him in death. Loving husband of 39 years to Colleen L. Christensen (nee Bennetts), and father to Caitlyn (Sean) O'Sullivan, Nathan Christensen, Meghan (Adam) Wroblewski, and host daughters Alena (Javier) Gusleva, Elea (Argenis) Cordero, and Tamonwan Sorawet. His children were blessed to inherit his talent in music, his love of words, his passion for justice, and his dedication to family and friends. Fred treasured time spent with his grandchildren, Rosie Wroblewski, Adalyn Christensen, Sasha Knazev, and Charlotte O'Sullivan. He is also survived by his brother David (Julie) Christensen, sister Cindy (David) Dankert, and a wonderful array of nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss him terribly. Graduating class of 1974 at Waukesha South High School, where he participated as a saxophonist in the band and a stage-crew member in the theatre department, Fred subsequently became a life-long employee in the telecom industry. He stayed at Wisconsin Bell through their many incarnations as SBC. Ameritech and AT&T. He was a shining example to his children, demonstrating an amazing work-ethic, often taking on second jobs to pay for their educational field-trips, after school activities, and memory-filled family vacations. After 38 years in the telecom industry, Fred retired. Not one to stay idle, he quickly joined Waukesha company Soft Touch Bases as a marketing consultant - a job which he enjoyed immensely. Fred was extremely active in the greater Milwaukee music community, playing bass guitar in a number of bands through the years: Spring City Rockers, The Schneebs, Four30Nine, Rip Snortin' & the Prime Cuts, Mad Cowz, Billy Lethal & the Tailspin, and Shakedown the Band. He was especially proud of playing music alongside his drummer son, Nathan, at venues such as the Waukesha County Fair, State Fair, Summerfest, and other local festivals and venues. Fred was always willing to lend a hand for benefit concerts, either as a guitarist or sound technician. Throughout the years, Fred volunteered as a leader for both Boy Scouts and 4-H. He also served in a variety of positions for the Presbyterian Church during his time as a member at First Presbyterian, Forest Park, and Southminster. Fred always led by example, showing those around him the joy that can be found in helping others. Fred was a jack of all trades, and those closest to him believe that there's nothing that he couldn't fix. Using those skills, he was always ready to help friends and strangers alike. We're going to greatly miss our handyman with the Paul McCartney eyes, our adventure buddy, audio coordinator, writing advocate, purveyor of corny "dad" jokes, liberal cornerstone, and devoted family man. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at 4pm with visitation to follow until 7pm at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 200 Richard St, Waukesha. Additional details regarding the memorial service and celebration of Fred's life can be found at https://caringbridge.org/visit/fredchristensen In lieu of flowers, donations to the Frederick C. Christensen Memorial Fund are appreciated. The fund will be established to honor Fred's memory and his advocacy for music and education. It will be used to bestow an annual college scholarship to a Waukesha High School music student who embodies the values Fred demonstrated in life.