Keith Elmore Christensen, (75), formerly of Concordia, KS passed away on Friday, February 17, 2023 at the North Central Kansas Medical Center, Concordia, Ks. He was born on May 10, 1947 in Concordia, Kansas to Rufus E. & Mildred L. (Huber) Christensen.
Keith graduated from Concordia High School in 1965 and went on to play football for the University of Kansas. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 1969 NFL draft. He then went to the Edmonton Eskimos and played the 1970 & 1971 seasons.
He married Jane M. McConahey on August 3, 1968 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia, Ks. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2021.
Keith worked for the family business, Christensen Oil until he sold his share of the business in September 1996. At that point he started a new business Commercial Tire Centers Inc in Salina KS. He retired March 31st 2021. Since retirement.
He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia Jaycees, Cloud County Community College Board of Trustees, Dunlop Dealer Counsel, and was a co-founder and member of Mid-America Tire Dealers Association since 1991.
Keith enjoyed traveling and trips to the mountains. In his younger years he loved to go skiing with friends. Keith was a hard worker, and was often found at the shop or at home working on projects. He also loved spending time with his wife and children, and particularly enjoyed sporting events and outdoor adventures. He was skilled in carpentry, and shared his skill and knowledge with his sons. Later in life, he took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren and even chauffeured grandchildren to sporting events across multiple states. Keith also enjoyed watching KU basketball, or any KU sporting event.
Keith is survived by his seven children and 19 grandchildren: Daughter, Erin (Chris) Behrens of Lincoln, Ks & their children, Christopher, Grace, Cody, Tyler and Lily; Son, Travis (Michelle) Christensen of Milton, FL & their children, Krystin, Taylor, Shawn, Elizabeth and Brooke; Son, Kevin Christensen of Salina, KS & children, Alexander and Isabelle; Daughter, Julie Christensen of Salina, KS; Son, John (Kendra) Christensen of Concordia, KS and their children, Tessa, Olivia, Rylan and Nolan; Son, Austin (Kalie) Christensen of Salina, KS & their children, Aurora, Sophie and Kasen & Daughter, Katie Christensen of Salina, KS; brothers, Damon (Laura) Christensen, Concordia, KS & Dr. Bruce Champlin of Surprise, AZ, Sister-in-law Mary (Kevin) Foley of Coronado CA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane; his parents Rufus and Mildred Christensen; Robert Champlin, Ronald and Susan Champlin, Loren Christensen, Ivona (Champlin) Kemp.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:00 AM, Friday, February 24, 2023 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Concordia with Fr. David Metz officiating. Burial will follow at St. Concordia Cemetery. Viewing is Thursday February 23, 2023 from 1-4 PM at the Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia, Kansas. Visitation will follow with family receiving guests at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church Hall from 6-8 PM. There will be continued gathering, fellowship and time of sharing from friends and family.
Memorial contributions may be given to USD 333 Scholarship in care of Community Foundation for Cloud County to be awarded with the Keith Christensen Outstanding Senior Lineman Award. Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.
