Jerry Dean Christensen

Jerry Dean Christensen, age 74, of Lincoln, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Jerry was born August 5, 1948 to Paul and Geraldine Christensen. Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Roberta Christensen; children, Eric (Tiffany) Christensen, Erin (David) Honnens; siblings, Karla (Mark) Blevins, Brent (Connie) Christensen; grandchildren, Brayton, Brinly and Brooks Christensen, Ellynne, Carter and Norah Honnens; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and sister Rogene Argue .

Jerry grew up in Beaver City, Nebraska until the age of 8 when his family moved to Holdrege. He graduated from Holdrege High School with the Class of 1966. While in high school, he was an avid fan of the Holdrege Dusters and especially enjoyed watching the basketball games, often being the first spectator in the gym. He enjoyed playing trombone in the Holdrege High School Marching Band, and was drum major when the band competed and won the 1966 Royal Stampede competition in Calgary, Canada.

After high school, Jerry went to college in Springfield, Missouri at Evangel University. While there, he was active in the Business Department and was elected Student Government treasurer for 2 years. Jerry graduated with a BA in Business Administration and a minor in Accounting.

Jerry’s work ethic was strong even as a child. He mowed lawns as a second grader, and delivered freight for his father for 25 cents an hour as a 10 year old. In high school he worked at Noble Drug all 4 years of high school. In college he worked as a Teaching Assistant in the Business Department and pumped gas at a station close by. Jerry would later serve on the Evangel College Alumni Board for many years. His senior year, the Viet Nam war was escalating and the military initiated a draft. Jerry’s draft number was 54. Realizing he would be called up, Jerry enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard and served for 6 years.

After graduating from college he returned to Holdrege, where he joined his father in the trucking business. Speedway Transportation grew from 12 trucks to 200 trucks and 375 employees during the 25 years he led the company to become the largest livestock hauling company in the U.S.

Jerry married Roberta Kingsriter on January 5, 1971. Jerry and Roberta made their home in Holdrege, and became active in the community, their church, and the activities of their children, Eric (1974) and Erin (1978). While living in the Holdrege Community, Jerry served on the Phelps County Community Foundation Board, Campus Life Board, Holdrege Legion Baseball Board, Holdrege Airport Authority Board, Holdrege Optimist Club, American Trucking Association, National Marriage Encounter Board and the North Park Assembly leadership board.

In 1998 the trucking firm was sold after the death of his father, Paul. Jerry stayed with the company for one year and was then hired by Edward Jones Investments. Jerry’s office was located in Lincoln at 70th and Van Dorn where he worked until his retirement in 2019. Jerry was a respected and trusted advisor of his clients. While in Lincoln, Jerry was active in Rotary Club, Gideon’s International, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Royal Family Kids, Impact Prison Ministries, and Christ’s Place Executive Leadership.

Jerry loved nothing more than following the sports activities of his 4 oldest grandchildren. He rarely missed a game, and was a great advisor to the umpires and referees! He encouraged them before and after all games and gave Gpa advice freely.

Jerry was a New York Yankee fan his entire life, avidly supported the St. Louis Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs. But there was nothing that could shake his loyalty to the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He had season tickets for years, and would climb to row 88 in the south end zone when his lungs were barely able to do it. Interstitial Lung Disease created limits, but he continued to golf, bike ride, walk, and work out until it became physically impossible. Jerry Christensen lived life to the fullest and made the most of every day. He delighted in helping others regardless of the need. And without a doubt he was welcomed into heaven with a chorus of WELL DONE!

In lieu of flowers the family would like memorials to Royal Family Kids of Lancaster County. 6000 S 84th St. Lincoln, NE 68516. Lincoln Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. 5801 S 58th St. Ste C Lincoln, NE 68516 in memory of Jerry Christensen.