Christenson, John F. 'Jack'

John F. “Jack” Christenson, longtime Cedar Rapids School District elementary principal, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 2, 2011. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 7, at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Len Ranson officiating.

Jack was born in Rochester, Minn., on March 24, 1938, to Melvin and Burnette Christenson. He graduated from St. Charles High School in 1956 and served in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. He then graduated, with his education degree, from Winona State College, received his master's degree in administration from Kansas State, and his Ph.D. in education from the University of Iowa.

He married the love his life, Marilyn (Buz) Sejkora, of Chapman, Kan., in 1959.

Jack was a football and basketball official for many years. He was an avid fisherman, enjoying trips to Northern Minnesota and Canada with several good friends and family, especially with his son and grandson. He also looked forward to the many trout fishing outings with lifelong friends Bill B., Bob, Keith and Bill Y.

Jack was an inspiration to all as a husband, father, grandfather, educator, friend and fisherman. His easy smile and wonderful sense of humor drew others to him. He was deeply loved and will forever be in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife, Buz; and their children of whom he was so proud, Becky (Barry) Brennecke, Kris (Spencer) Eells and Eric (Jamie) Christenson. Also left to honor and cherish his memory are his beloved grandchildren, A.J. and Jordan Brennecke, Carson, Jenna, and Jackson Eells and Anna and Ava Christenson. Also surviving are sisters, Beverly (Bob) Nesbit, Lavonne Majerus and Susan (Bob) Lyngaas, all of St. Charles, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers.

Jack's motto was “Every day's a good day, some are just harder than others.” This is a hard one.

The family would like to thank doctors Schroeder, Nabi, Eyanson, Lee and Collett for their support. Gratitude is also expressed to Mercy Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the East Central Iowa Special Olympics at 2651 Glen Hollow Ct., Coralville, IA 52241.

Online condolences may be left for the family at    under Obituaries.