Kay Christensen

Kay Christensen, age 83 of Westfield, was born on January 19, 1932 in Westfield.

Our sun is gone, the sparkle diminished, for the belle of the ball has slipped off her dancing shoes and left this world quieter, sadder and less vibrant without her presence in it.

Kay Christensen was the center of our universe and our love for her is endless. Her disarming smile, easy laughter and endless charm won hearts everywhere. She was the social butterfly--equipped with a beckoning wave and friendly conversation; the center of attention because of that undefinable goodness that captivated you. She was a lover of polka-dots, butterflies, playing the "lucky ducks" at the casino; bonding with her "Blister Sisters"; creating that magical potato salad and potato soup that was famous in 4 counties and 3 states; wearing her nightdress during the day; capable of winning anything, anytime, anywhere; and defining decades of love as she and our grandfather glided across the floor to Anne Murray's "Can I Have This Dance." Her family anthem was "We Are Family" and everyday she reminded us of the importance of loving each other. She was simply marvelous to others, to us she was simply everything.

She entered Heaven on June 9th, 2015, but her spirit is carried on through her beloved husband Robert, six children, 17 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, her three sisters and brother and extended family and friends from all over. She was preceded in death by her mother Margaret Slowey Hammond, father Harold (Bill) Hammond, and siblings Teresa Hammond Carstensen and Bruce Hammond, brother-in- laws Gerry Michalek and Cliff Carstensen, niece Jody Lechnir and her grandson Christopher Buchholz.

We were blessed to learn so many of life's valuable and often humorous lessons from her; among them are some "mom-isms" that her children carry with them fondly and with laughter in their voices:

"Give 'em the old dark one." (Said often as the encouraging mother and sometimes rabid fan at her daughter's softball games)

"Never go to bed mad." (Sound advice on marriage)

"If you lose something; stop looking for it, it will come back."

"Nice people finish last."

"Look what the cat dragged in." (Said often to certain daughters and grandchildren based on their wardrobe choices.)

"You look like you just jumped out of the rag bag." (Again said to those same daughters and grandchildren.)

"Don't take a lazy man's load."

"No one tells me anything and I'm always the last to know." (Neither was true.)

"I'll be right back." (If only....)

Kay is survived by her husband of 65 years Robert (Chris) Christensen, daughter Lana (husband Joe Kopach, grandchildren Kim (Pete) Lien, great-grandchildren Madison, Kelsey and Zoe, Nikki Kopach (Eric Nelson); daughter Vicki (husband Larry McLaughlin, grandchildren Michelle (Craig) Wolff, great-grandchildren Brandon and Braylee, Jana (Justin) Dahms, great-grandchildren Breanna, Lexi, Jaxtin, and Coltin, Tyler McLaughlin); daughter Susan (husband Jim Buchholz, grandchildren Brigette (Tom) Field, Ali Buchholz and son/great-grandchild Tucker Buchholz, Danielle (Dan) Colling, great-grandchildren Kaitlynn, Emma, Evan and Avery); daughter Nancy (husband Russ Goldsmith, grandchildren Shanna (Jaime) Olivero, great-grandchildren Kaden and Kyler, Shane Goldsmith- fiancé Vanessa Briese); daughter Mary (husband Mike Mades, grandchildren Isaac, Hannah, and Haley); son Andy (wife Jackie Christensen, grandchildren Amber (Jed) Vossekuil, great-grandchildren Gavin and Nolan, Dustan Christensen and wife Amber, Zachary Christensen and wife Kalie); siblings Barbara Hammond Lechnir, Helen Michalek , Peggy Fullmer, and Joe Hammond.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Kay will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Westfield with Father Tim Renz officiating. Cremation will follow the traditional service and inurnment will be in Westfield East Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church and on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service. Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Westfield is serving the family. For online obituaries and condolences visit www.steinhaushollyfuneralhome.com

*For Kay's Memorial, in lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to the Good Shepherd Catholic Church Westfield parish for stained glass windows. Kay always loved this church.


-written lovingly by her granddaughter Nicole for her "Second-Hand Rose"



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